Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 8) Manipulator

Once the words were out, Dharma realized that she had gone too far. Maurya's icy disdain gave rise to butterflies in her stomach. Should she shake off her anxiety and confront him or bolt before he lost his temper? Slowly, she turned towards the door but Maurya was swifter. He grasped her upper arm and swung her around, "You can't slip away after accusing me of something like that."

"I didn't accuse you of anything," Dharma muttered, noticing the faint scar above his right eye.

"Oh, so what did you mean by manipulate?" he questioned.

Sighing, she said, "I meant you do things to suit your own purpose."

Maurya's eyes inspected her, and crossing his arms across his chest, he asked, "I suppose you don't?"

She tore her eyes away from his face and he continued, "Everyone does things to suit one's own purpose. That is not manipulation."

"You said you had an important dinner. I don't think it includes taking me out for dinner."

"So, you were eavesdropping!"

"You were loud enough," Dharma shot back. His nearness and the earthy scent of his cologne were assaulting her senses and clouding her thoughts.

"So, you came up with a half-baked theory about how I manipulate. My dinner got cancelled so I was free to take you out," although she was right in her assumption, Maurya didn't know why he was giving her an explanation. And yet, he pursued with his taunts, "Next time, I talk to my fiancée, don't make inane conclusions."

"I have no interest in listening to your conversations but when you use me to avoid her, well, it becomes my business," Dharma rasped, forgetting her manners.

With his eyebrows raised, he chaffed, "Use you to avoid my fiancée? Don't you think you are giving yourself too much importance? I suppose it comes with such an elevated sense of oneself." His eyes wandered over her face.

"You can think whatever you want. If you want to see my designs now, I can show you," she responded.

"Or?" he asked, surprising himself with his mulishness. She wasn't far from the truth. He was using her for his own means but he hadn't expected her to grasp it. She was smarter than he thought. There was something about her that challenged him, goaded him to have the last word.

"I am leaving," she replied, realizing that she wouldn't win the battle of wits with him. He was much cleverer than her, however, she was certain that he came up with dinner plans for some underlying reason of his own.

Maurya's phone rang and he glanced at it. She too glanced at it, catching sight of Rashika's image. Her eyes clashed with Maurya's. Well, if he had expected her to dart away, he was going to be disappointed because she had every intention of listening to him now. She crossed her arms and looked at him fixedly.

The phone kept ringing but their eyes were locked on one another, trying to prove a point. He cut the call and now it was her turn to raise her eyebrows.

"I was right! You are using me to get back at her," she alleged, hating the feeling.

"Think what you like. I was only trying to be decent. It is late and it is not advisable for pretty women like you to be alone on the road," he turned around to get hold of his laptop bag.

Dharma's face turned crimson. She should be miffed at him for calling her pretty without context, or was he trying to coax her to go with him? She couldn't really understand him. He was so complex.

"Shall we go?" he asked as he waited, holding the door open.

She studied him thoughtfully, did his fiancée comply with his wishes whenever he flattered her? Was that how their relationship worked? His enigmatic eyes did not reveal much. They would suddenly turn icy; sometimes warm with humour; and at other times like now, mysterious. She wondered how they would look at Rashika during their intimate moments. Oh damn! Her thoughts about him were getting absurd, she realized.

"I am going to ask one last time and if you don't come, you can head out all alone," he warned.

She hurried after him. Why should she bother about his relationship with Rashika? He asked her to stay back late and now, like a responsible boss if he wanted to drop her back, why should she mind?

He reversed his car and brought it forward. Once, inside the warmth of the car, she realized her foolhardiness in refusing his offer. It was a cold winter night and there was not a single person on the road at this hour. The yellow glow of the street lamps lit the road with a murky halo. Even if she had waited for a cab, she wouldn't have got one. She stole a glance at Maurya, "I am sorry I lost my head there."

He sneaked a look at her, his lips pursed and his knuckles clenching their hold on the wheel tighter.  "True, you were pretending to be smart when you are not," his provocative statement did nothing to ease the tension.

With difficulty, Dharma controlled her temper. She swallowed her pride and gave directions to Brahim's place, "I am not going to the hostel. You have to drop me at the next junction."

"Why? Where are you going?" the questions left him before he could put a leash on them.

"I told you my friend Kamya is recovering. She is back home at a friend's house. We are celebrating tonight."

She checked the time, knowing Brahim and Kamya would be waiting for her although she had sent them an apologetic message, asking them to start their dinner.

At the entrance gate of the colony where Brahim stayed, Maurya stopped the car. Dharma collected her items and began to thank him but he cut her short, "Do you mind if I come up with you? I would like to meet your friend."

Dharma frowned at him, wondering what game he was playing. She stared at him suspiciously and he raised both his hands, "Of course, if you don't want me to come up, I won't."

Her suspicion grew further. Put like that, she knew he was aware that she wouldn't refuse. If he was indeed the benefactor who had paid for Kamya's treatment then he had the right to see her. Or he may be coming up to waste more time so that he could give Rashika the slip. With Maurya, it could be either. Sighing, she gave in. It would take a lifetime to unravel his motives.

Brahim stayed on the third floor of a four-storey apartment. The buildings were constructed by the development authority of the city. She led the way up the stairs. Her walking footwear hardly made any noise but his footfall in leather shoes sounded loud on that still night.

When she rang the bell, it was Kamya who opened the door, "What the hell Dharma! We have been waiting..." she paused as she caught sight of Maurya. Her eyes widened with surprise. She stepped back and Dharma allowed Maurya inside.

Brahim, who was lounging on the only couch in the living room rose up clumsily, "Mr. Maurya...." he stammered.

The Pizza boxes lay unopened on the floor. There were two glasses of wine and a couple of open packets of chips and nuts. An empty glass was left for Dharma.

Kamya sought an answer from Dharma with her eyes. Dharma, in return, shrugged with irritation.

"Sorry to gate crash into your private party," Maurya's rueful smile charmed her friends. "I hope you have recovered well...." he queried at Kamya.

Kamya nodded, regarding Maurya with curious interest.

"I thought Dharma would introduce me. My bad! I am Maurya and you are Kamya. Right?" he asked, reminding Dharma and Brahim of their lack of manners. At once, Brahim realized his omission.

"Oh, I am so sorry, it is just that Dharma didn't tell us that you were coming. Anyway, please have a seat. I hope you wouldn't mind joining us for a drink," Brahim spoke with overwhelming enthusiasm.

"Let me bring one more glass," Brahim said.

"You stay! I will bring," Dharma offered and went in search of a glass in Brahim's messy kitchen. Kamya followed her.

"Whew! Dharma, what is he doing here?" she whispered aloud, staring at Dharma with unconcealed interest.

"Frankly speaking, I don't know. I just don't get what goes on in his head."

"Aww Dharma, he is so charming and so very handsome. Is he single?" Kamya asked as Dharma finally found a glass. It was dusty and she washed it with liquid soap.

"No, he is engaged and his fiancée is very beautiful," Dharma muttered, wiping the glass with a tissue.

"So why is he here?"

"He is supposed to be with his fiancée. She has been calling him since evening. I guess he is using us to avoid her or to make a point with her."

"Or maybe trying to make her jealous?" Kamya added

"God knows! Right now, I just want to get rid of him," Dharma spoke through clenched teeth, bringing a wide grin to Kamya's face.

Dharma narrowed her eyes, "What? Why are you grinning like that?"

"Hmmm. Me think that the lady doth protest too much!" Kamya quoted and Dharma made a face, "Oh Please! Give me a break!"

They returned to the living room and Dharma found Maurya settled comfortably on the couch. With a glass of wine in one hand, he and Brahim were perusing something in the magazine seriously.

"Very cosy!" Dharma commented scathingly, inviting an amused glance from Maurya. She poured herself a glass of wine, aware of Maurya staring at her. Brahim was too busy leafing through the pages of the magazine while Kamya opened the pizza boxes and served the slices on the plate.

Dharma settled on the floor and leaning her back on the bare wall, she folded her knees up. Eyes on Maurya, she said aloud, "You know Kamya, we have a very benevolent patron at Mohandham who took care of your treatment."

Brahim frowned while Kamya listened avidly, "Is it? Who is he? I really want to thank him."

Maurya did not look up from the magazine. Brahim put two and two together and paid attention to Maurya with renewed interest. Kamya waited for Dharma to reveal the name.

Dharma confessed, "I wish I knew Kamya but I don't. I suppose he wants to be this mysterious do-gooder; who I believe uses charity to evade taxes."

Maurya's face shot up, his mouth thinning with annoyance and his eyes throwing daggers at her. Dharma beamed at him with a saccharine smile and asked, "Isn't it true that rich men like you make donations to avoid taxes."

Brahim glared at her and Kamya uttered, "Dharma?"

Maurya folded back the magazine slowly and looked at her steadily, "What is your point, Dharma? If you want to say something, say it! Don't beat around the bush."

"Are you the one who helped Kamya? And is that why you came to the hospital to check on her?"

"You really want me to answer that? So that you can accuse me of doing it to evade taxes?" he asked, turning the tables on her.

They sized up one another. The tension arising out of their battles of will spilled over to others. Kamya offered a plate to Maurya, "Here..."

Thanking her, Maurya took the plate. Brahim filled the glasses and engaged Maurya in a discussion about the latest apps on phone. Putting a plate in front of her, Kamya whispered softly, "I know you are peeved that he is using you to get back at his lover but Dharma give him a break. If you are itching to fight with him, do it when you both are alone."

Kamya's warning brought Dharma to her senses and she sipped the wine quietly, picking on the food.

"So how did this accident happen?" Maurya asked Kamya.

"First, I thought it was an accident. I was getting down from the bus in front of the campus and all of a sudden, this car racing towards me, hit me," Kamya remembered aloud. Brahim and Dharma exchanged glances.

"After I gained consciousness in the hospital, I kept recalling the moment when I was hit by the car. Something about it bothered me. One day, while I was lying alone at the hospital, it all came back to me. It was my own cousin Seema who was on the wheel. I will never forget the look on her face. I realized that she had hit me intentionally," Kamya's voice dropped to a whisper and her voice trembled. Shoulders slumping, she looked down, a tear dropping on the floor.

Putting aside the plate and her glass, Dharma rushed to her friend. She wrapped her arms around Kamya and held her tightly as Kamya wept for the first time after the accident.

Brahim moved closer to the girls and said, "Don't cry, sweetheart. Seema is evil. She doesn't deserve you in her life."

Discreetly, Maurya rose and moved to the small balcony. Sipping the wine, he stood watching the two friends comforting the third.

Stroking Kamya's arms, Dharma said, "We didn't know that you had recognized Seema. We should have talked to you earlier about the accident."

"I know, you and Brahim were avoiding the subject. But Dharma, she was the only relative I had," her inconsolable weeping moved Brahim and Dharma. Brahim embraced them in a warm hug, consoling Kamya, "Why do you care about her, Kamya? We are here for you. Forget that bitch."

Kamya collected herself and allowed a watery smile, "Did I tell you how much I love you both?"

"I know Kamya. It is over. Garima was telling me that they have admitted Seema to the hospital and she is undergoing some tests for mental illness."

Kamya brushed the tears from her cheek, "Seema had some problems during her teens also. She tried to take her own life once. She had slit her wrists and had been under therapy for a long time."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, I used to feel bad for her," Kamya said as her hiccups slowed down.

"You are here now and that is what matters. Cheers to us three," Brahim filled the glasses once more and they toasted. While Brahim and Kamya took their sips, Dharma pivoted to check on Maurya. With one hand in his pocket and another holding the glass, he was leaning on the railing of the balcony and watching them. When he caught Dharma's eyes on him, he raised his glass.

Dharma thought maliciously, that they must have provided good entertainment for Maurya. While Kamya and Brahim helped themselves with the food, Maurya sauntered back to the living room. Kamya expressed her regret, "Sorry, I broke down like that."

"We all have our moments," Maurya replied, bringing a smile to Kamya's face. He added, "Especially after going through such trauma!"

"Yeah, it was traumatic to learn that your own cousin wants you dead," Kamya spoke more freely to Maurya, surprising both Brahim and Dharma.

"Is she mentally ill?" Maurya pried without appearing too inquisitive, helping himself to another generous glass of wine.

"Yeah, she had problems earlier. But I think it is more evident now because of her husband," Kamya detailed, making Dharma uncomfortable.

"Why? Is he abusive?" Maurya asked, munching on a piece of Pizza. Brahim made his way to the kitchen to get another bottle of wine.

"I don't know about that but he is a creep. From the day he set his eyes on Dharma, he has been after her. He stalks her all the time. That is why Dharma had to leave Parijatpur," the wine had slackened Kamya and she gave away the details of Chaitanya's stalking of Dharma to Maurya. Dharma was embarrassed and did not want to burden him with details of her life but Maurya had a knack for getting people to talk. Even Brahim did not recognize it. He was happy that Kamya was getting over her worst and he asked Maurya to stay the night at his flat.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 7) The Sparring

Dharma and Maurya strode out of the canteen silently, both engrossed in their own thought. For a short space of time, they had been caught in a powerful, inexplicable trance. They balked from calling it attraction because, to Dharma, he was already taken. It went against her principles to chase someone who was committed to a relationship. So far, she had acknowledged the magnetism that Maurya held for her, but beyond that, she had not expected it to progress. However, a few moments ago, they had connected in a way that was incomprehensible.

Maurya regarded her with suspicion. He recoiled from the exquisiteness that he had felt in holding her. Their proximity had obliterated everything else from his thoughts. He had been aware only of the intoxicating blend of her fragrance; a whiff of something strongly floral, a trace of aromatic spice, and a fleeting scent of her feminity. For a brief spell, he had yielded to his senses.

Dharma stole a glance at Maurya, he seemed preoccupied. She wasn't brave enough to intrude into his contemplation. Her phone rang and she answered Brahim's call, "Hi...No, I am outside the canteen."

Brahim waved at her, regarding them with surprise. She introduced, "This is my friend Brahim and he is...." Before she could introduce Maurya, Brahim chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Maurya Verma, your boss!"

Maurya gave a half-hearted smile and took Brahim's offered hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir," Brahim gushed, prompting Maurya to say, "Chuck the sir out! It is Maurya."

"So, you are from Mohandham?" Maurya asked as they reached his car in the parking lot.

"Yes, we all grew up together in the township."

Maurya nodded politely, "Nice to meet you Brahim, got to go!" he clicked the automatic car key and strode to the other side of the car without glancing at Dharma.

"Whew, what is he doing here Dharma?" Brahim asked. Dharma shrugged, faintly disappointed that Maurya had left. Brahim and Dharma went back to the ward where Kamya was admitted. Dharma noticed that the old man had left, and so she enquired about his grandson to the duty nurse. Following the nurse's directions, she visited the boy’s ward to have a look at him. He was sleeping peacefully. The boy and his face did not affect Dharma as much as his name. She gave a warm smile at the sleeping boy; unknowingly, the boy or his odd name had brought Maurya and Dharma together for a short time.

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

Driving back home, Maurya glowered at the biker who was trying to overtake him. Swearing loudly, he brought the car to an abrupt halt and stared at the partially visible road. It was a foggy night and everything was wrapped in a misty veil. Thankfully, the road was wide and a broad median ensured that the headlights of oncoming vehicles were not blinding.

Smacking the steering wheel with frustration, he cursed the moment he had decided to visit Dharma's friend at the hospital. He had wanted to know the progress and had gone to check on her. He had not expected to find Dharma and seeing her in that distressed state, his focus had strayed.

He recalled the stormy evening when Dharma had rushed to pull him out of the car. If she had not, the heavy bark of the tree could have injured him but Dharma had rescued him in the nick of time. He was indebted to Mahendran who had freed him from child traffickers and to Vasukinath Krishna who had groomed him, but he shrank away from feeling obligated to Dharma.

Dharma stoked his innermost fear; the fear of losing control! He still reeled from the volatile encounter of that evening.

From a young age, Maurya hated losing. Be it a game or an argument or a fight; he had never liked to lose. And he had made certain that he always emerged as the winner. It had become an obsession. He had continuously stood first in the class; he had scored the highest in the entrance exams and he had made sure that he became the head of Krishna Industries. Mahendran Namboodri had often reproved him for his competitive nature and had advised Maurya to be less aggressive. Nevertheless, Maurya had followed his own logic and so far, he had never lost to anyone. He had earned every bit of his success with his hard work and acumen. And now, he wouldn't allow anyone to jeopardise his plans or his future.

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

A week later, Kamya was discharged from the hospital and she moved to Brahim's flat. Dharma too moved there temporarily to take care of her. Dharma and Brahim had not yet told Kamya about Seema. They shied away from breaking her heart. Brahim was particularly keen that they should talk about the accident only after Kamya had recovered completely.

Dharma's work progressed smoothly. She worked late hours, trying to complete the bulk orders to deliver them on time. She visited the factory regularly and sometimes, even worked with the garment makers.

Some evenings, after coming back from work, she assisted Brahim in preparing dinner. While she took great joy in watching Brahim and Kamya grow closer, Dharma was haunted by obscure images in her sleep. The images would appear and fade intermittently, disturbing her sleep pattern. One night, she had even called out, "Ekveer" in her sleep. It was Kamya who had woken her up and asked who Ekveer was.

On Friday afternoon, she was looking forward to buying a few gifts for Kamya, and Brahim for his house. Kamya was limping back to normalcy and Dharma planned to move back to the hostel that weekend. Perusing the mail, she did not see the envelope that the office boy had left on her table. When her eyes fell on it, she slit open the envelope curiously and found an invite pass from Krishna Industries to the Winter fashion week that was starting in a fortnight.

 The intercom buzzed and it was Lekha's croaky voice, "Dharma, there is a meeting in half an hour. Get ready."

"Where?"

"At the head office of Krishna Industries. We will have a discussion on our upcoming runway show, the fall collection, the venue, the theme, etc," Lekha explained breathlessly.

"With Rashika?" Dharma asked, aware that she annoyed Lekha with her questions.

"No, Rashika is on leave and she won't be available for the weekend. Mr. Maurya Verma is holding the meeting with some of our departments."

Dharma snuffed out the flicker of thrill that crept up on her suddenly. Sonia, Lekha, Dharma, and some others arrived for the meeting in the office van. Dharma was delighted to see the charming place that brought back memories of her first visit there. She had arrived here by mistake then, assuming it to be the main office and it was near the lake behind this building that she had first heard the whispers.

In the conference room, Maurya and others were already present. Lekha sat at one end of the rectangular table and Sonia and Dharma took the chairs opposite her. Dharma's view of Maurya was partly blocked by Sonia and others in the board room style seating.

The discussion and debate centered on the location of the show.

"I think the lake here would be the perfect location for our show, it also has the right backdrop," Lekha suggested

Maurya's eyes moved to Dharma, "Have you decided on the theme?"

Dharma shook her head and everyone stared at her. Lekha professed, "I am sorry Mr. Maurya, that Dharma hasn't come up with a theme yet."

"You must have received the circular about this meeting in advance. Didn't Rashika tell you that I wanted to know the theme?"

Dharma's eyes shot to Lekha. No one had informed her about the circular and even if Rashika had told Lekha, the other woman had not conveyed it to Dharma which made Dharma believe that it was intentional.

Maurya demanded, "Didn't you?" Dharma was not sure if he asked her or Sonia because both fell in the same line of his sight.

"Yes, we did." Sonia nodded, surprising Dharma.

"We have come up with a theme," Lekha interceded, including Sonia in her glance.

"Let us hear it."

"We were thinking of a Mughal-inspired bridal attire. This lake and its surrounding structures would be the perfect setting," Lekha explained

"Also, the venue has an old-world ambience," Sonia added enthusiastically, waiting eagerly for Maurya's approval.

Maurya's phone vibrated and he rose suddenly, "Excuse me, I have to attend this call."

Answering the call, he marched to the doorway. Dharma could hear him and she listened unabashedly while Lekha and Sonia tried to reprimand her for coming unprepared for the meeting.

"No, I think I will get a bit delayed. No Rashika, I have to attend this dinner. I told you it was important. And if I get too late, you enjoy yourself with your friends. I will try to meet you tomorrow," he ended the call, ambling back to his chair.

Dharma now studied his face. From his conversation, she deduced that Rashika was waiting for him. However, Maurya didn't look as if he was in any rush to wind up the meeting.

"So, what were you saying?" he asked Sonia

"That this lake would be ideal for the runway show."

"Bridal attires, especially a Mughal-inspired one on the ramp, has become outdated," Dharma voiced her opinion for the first time in the discussion, and her unwarranted opinion shocked Lekha and Sonia. Dharma was sure that if Tapan had been here, he would have agreed with her. But he was not here so she could not gain any support.

"So, what do you suggest?" Maurya asked, seemingly irked with her.

"If you give me time," she began

"You had enough time as it is," Maurya shot back

"Yes sir, I am sorry I hadn't come up earlier with a theme but I can show you an entire line in an hour."

Sonia and Lekha darted furious looks at her but she did not bother to be nice to them. If they could intentionally keep her in dark about the purpose of this meeting so that Lekha could impress Maurya, then she had no interest in being nice to them. It was not a client meeting anyway.

Maurya returned, "I have other meetings here, till about nine. If you can show me by then, I will see."

"I will show you before," Dharma promised, eliciting grudging admiration from one of the men who worked for the marketing department.

There was further discussion on Lekha's suggestion of a bridal line. When the meeting ended, Lekha and Sonia jumped on her, "How dare you, Dharma? Don't you know it is not correct to overstep your boundaries?"

"Why don't you first tell me the reason for not informing me about this meeting earlier?"

"I guess, everyone thought that the other had informed," Sonia claimed with a faint trace of guilt in her eyes.

"So, in spite of me being the lead designer, I was not informed of the bridal line that you were planning for the show. May I ask why?" Dharma asked, having learnt at a young age, that unless one fought one's own battles, one cannot survive in the world.

They glared at her, failing to come up with an answer and Lekha snarled, "Stop questioning us, Dharma. If you are the designer, you should have volunteered with a unique line. And don't forget that Rashika asked me to lead the team. So next time, before you open your mouth, think twice," with that parting shot, Lekha walked out.

"It wouldn't help you to make an enemy of Lekha. I advise you to listen to her," Sonia voiced.

"Why was I not informed, Sonia?"

Sonia shrugged, "I don't know. I thought you knew about this meeting. Anyway, be prepared for a nasty outburst from Rashika. Lekha will complain about you to her."

Dharma nodded, pondering if Sonia had made peace with Rashika because she was reconciled with the situation.

After they left, Dharma settled in one corner of the table and opened her sketch pad. She carried a sketch pad with her always. Taking inspiration from the glimmering waters of the lake; she began to draw stick figures.

Within two hours, she had come up with a theme and four designs for the same. She did not answer Brahim or Kamya’s calls, concentrating only on her sketches.

Concluding that Maurya would have left, she sauntered out of the room with a satisfied smile. To her surprise, she found Maurya seated on a couch in the reception area, sifting through a newspaper. Catching sight of her, he folded the paper and asked, "You finished?"

"Yes, I will show...."

"It is late, let us have dinner. You can show me then."

She stared at him, murmuring, "It is alright. I can take an auto."

"No, I will drop you."

Remembering his conversation with Rashika, Dharma asked sceptically, "Aren't you getting late?"

He narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean?"

Her ineptness at the meeting, Lekha and Sonia's duplicity, and now with Maurya's invitation, a conflict arose in her. Detesting his assumption that she would be free to accompany him for dinner, she snapped, "Don't manipulate me like you do your fiancée."

Maurya froze, and the lurking warmth in his eyes turned glacial. The air crackled with the sparks of dented pride and suppressed anger, slashing the subdued passion that had gently raised its head.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 6) The Good Samaritan

At work, the new picture on the screen saver caught Dharma’s attention. Normally, she did not notice but something about that particular image piqued her curiosity. It was a colourful photograph of an old structure; she was not certain if it was a temple or a palace but it looked ancient with carved domes and pillars. The picture was taken from afar and there was a unique stepwell in front of the grand structure. Intrigued and fascinated, she clicked on the picture to learn more details.

It was an old Sun temple in Gujarat, built by an erstwhile ruler of the Chalukya dynasty in the eleventh century. Constructed on the banks of the River Pushpavati in a village called Modhera, it was one of the few temples dedicated to the Sun god. The more details Dharma learnt about the structure; the more interested she became. The architecture was magnificent, and the grandeur of it persuaded Dharma to stay on the page to learn further. Even after exiting from the screen, the image of the intricately carved pillars and reservoir stayed with her. She wished she could visit such places.

Resigning to her humdrum existence, she replied to the emails that had accumulated in the last couple of days. Fleeing from Chaitanya, Dharma had reached her hostel and had packed her stuff in a hurry. To her relief, she had not seen Chaitanya after the confrontation in the park. Brahim had arrived an hour later to pick her up in the ambulance and the three had left Parijatpur for New Delhi. Once Kamya was admitted to the multi-speciality hospital, the surgeon and his team of assistant doctors had taken over. Observing their efficiency, Dharma had felt reassured, knowing Kamya was in good hands. Brahim and she had taken turns staying in the hospital. The doctor had removed the clot and by the next morning, Kamya had woken up. She was still frail, nonetheless, she recognized Dharma and Brahim. The nurses, however, did not allow them to stay for long. That morning, Brahim visited the hospital and assured Dharma that Kamya would be fit to go home in a week.

Grateful to the supreme power that she had appealed to, Dharma focused on her work. The Purchase department informed her that the cartons of buttons and threads had arrived. Dharma went down to check the contents.

Perching on the chair in the delivery room, she bent down to slit open the cartons. Her ebony strands slid sideways, veiling her face on either side. Focusing on the buttons, she counted their numbers, unaware of Maurya's approach until he spoke.

"Good morning!"

With a start, she straightened up, losing sight of the count. He wore a grey suit over a pale rose shirt. The darker grey tie hinted that he was prepared for an official meeting.

"Good morning!" Dharma responded.

He glanced down at the open boxes of buttons and threads, "Are they meeting our requirements?"

Dharma nodded, "Haven't checked all the boxes though."

Maurya's phone rang and answering the call, he gestured for her to continue her work. He moved to the other side of the small room, not taking his eyes off her. Sliding out of the chair, Dharma knelt on the floor to carry on with her checking, intensely aware of Maurya's presence. She wasn't sure what she was doing but her attention was drawn to his deep voice as he spoke in an irritated tone, "We are not responsible for their goof-up. Well! close down the unit and ask Mr Mishra to speak up on the inferior quality of raw material we are getting. Make a strong impression so that it suits our purposes."

The conversation continued for some time and after it ended, he turned to her. He observed her quietly and then asked, "how is your friend?"

Dharma shot him a surprised glance and he added, "Rashika told me."

"She is better," and added, "Since she has been shifted here."

"Why? Wasn't the treatment good there?" he quizzed with a curious twinkle in his eyes.

Dharma who was used to his aloofness was caught by the look in his eyes and she babbled on, "No it was good but she needed surgery so she had to be shifted here. A good Samaritan decided to bear the expenses of her treatment..."

"That is nice to hear," he drawled, his furtive smile coaxing Dharma's attention irresistibly to his lips. She lifted her gaze to his and their eyes collided. Her eyes narrowed in contemplation at the unusual wickedness glimmering in his eyes. At her silent probe, his glance fell, masking his feelings. He turned towards the doorway.

A delicious frenzy permeated the air, exciting the senses. Dharma's anticipation rose and she broke the gossamer stillness, "Maurya," she called softly. He swung around abruptly and stared at her.

She cursed herself silently for calling him by his name but, for the moment, she decided to ignore it and asked hesitantly, "Are you the good Samaritan?"

He regarded her thoughtfully, his face devoid of any expression as she waited with bated breath.

"No!" he answered, unable to decide whether he disappointed her or himself more by his denial.

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

Dharma was delighted to find Kamya awake when she reached the hospital that evening. She spent some time with her friend and when Kamya fell asleep, she waited at the hospital for Brahim. Sitting alone in the corridor with only a couple of other visitors, her thoughts invariably turned to Maurya. He was an enigma to her, and she was often unable to fathom his thoughts.  Also, from the way he questioned her about Kamya, Dharma felt that he knew about Kamya’s treatment. Was it he who bore the expenses for Kamya's medical treatment? It was well known that he was one of the benefactors at Mohandham and he donated a generous sum regularly. The director of the institute had even mentioned it in his welcome speech when Maurya had attended as chief guest.

Restless and annoyed, she paced the corridor. She ran her eyes over the other two visitors. One was chanting from a religious text and another, an old man was slumped on the seat wearily. He gave her a fleeting smile and she asked him if he wanted water. At his grateful nod, she got a glass of water for him.

"Who is in the ICU?" he asked her, guzzling the water thirstily.

"My friend."

"Is she improving?"

"Yes, they will shift her to the room tomorrow. And what about you?" she asked curiously.

"My grandson. He met with an accident yesterday while returning from school," his eyes swelled with tears.

"Oh? What about his parents?" Dharma asked with compassion.

"They are not in town. I am alone now. I have informed them about Ekveer. They will reach here by tomorrow."

Dharma flinched; her face losing all colour, giving her goosebumps. She felt faint. A sudden spasm of nerves left her dizzy and she steadied herself.

She asked faintly, "Ekveer?"

"Yes, my grandson!" the man answered with pride, "He is only six so the doctor says that he will heal quickly."

With a miserable smile, Dharma nodded and stumbled back to her chair. She blanched at the assault of confounding images.  Once again, the nightmare returned with a drowning sensation, leaving her in agony. She placed her head on her raised knees and closed her eyes. What did the man say that left her so agitated? He simply talked about his grandson whose name was Ekveer. Dharma winced at the name and realized that she was sweating. She wiped her forehead with a tissue and buried her face in her hands.

Looking at her condition, the old man became concerned but, before he could get up and enquire, he saw a very handsome and confident man arrive, pause and approach the girl. He settled back in his seat.

"Hey, are you ok?"

Dharma's head shot up and her jaw dropped at the sight of Maurya. What was he doing here?

"What are you doing here?" she asked in bewilderment. Nothing made sense to her. The familiar feeling of panic attacked her, almost choking her.

Maurya frowned. He took the chair next to her and offered his handkerchief to her, "You are sweating profusely. Are you alright?"

She didn't take the kerchief he offered but wiped her face with the tissue napkin she had. An annoyed Maurya pushed it back into his pocket and repeated his question, "Are you alright? Should I get you some medicine or coffee probably?"

"No, I just had a mild panic attack. I am ok now."

"You got a panic attack on seeing me?" he asked. She glowered at him and shot back, "Of course not!"

"Thank god for small mercies!"

Dharma regarded him with suspicion, "You didn't tell me what you are doing here."

He didn't answer at once but let his gaze rove over her face, stilling for an infinitesimal moment on each feature, "Maybe I came in search of you," he answered mysteriously.

Dharma pushed her nails into the soft skin of her palm, asking herself if it was a dream or reality. Or maybe all the past events involving the crazy Chaitanya and his equally maniacal wife were taking their toll on her.

"What? How do you know I am here?"

He showed his phone to her and answered, his voice sounding very serious, "I have an App here that traces your location."

His answer took her breath away and she gaped at him with utter disbelief. She didn't know if she ought to believe him but for the first time, she saw his face light up with a cheeky grin.

"My god! Your expression!" Maurya laughed aloud, enjoying the embarrassment that reddened her cheeks. "Relax! I came to see a patient."

"Who?" she asked at once, deliberating if he had come to see Kamya.

"My manager's wife is admitted here. So, I came to check on her. What about you?"

"I told you about my friend! She is admitted here."

"How is she?"

"She is better. They are shifting her to a room tomorrow."

"Good!" Maurya stood up and she raised her face, unconsciously exposing her vulnerability to him. She didn't want to be left alone and she was certain that it reflected in her eyes. He offered, "We can go for coffee if you want. There is a canteen down. They serve the worst coffee I know but if you have the stomach for it, we can give it a try."

Following Maurya, she nodded to the old man who was still seated in the same spot.

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

The coffee was indeed tasteless but Dharma did not mind. It gave her strength. Or was it Maurya's presence that accorded the stability? She was not sure.

"So, how come you looked so distressed when I arrived? Did the doctor say something?"

"No, the doctor assured me that everything was fine. I was talking to an old man there whose grandson is admitted and something he said, just upset me. I haven't understood yet what upset me so much."

It was a small round table and they were sitting opposite one another. He was still in the same pastel rose shirt and grey trousers, only the jacket was missing.

"Maybe you missed your meals?" Maurya questioned and Dharma was in a dilemma whether to divulge about her panic attacks. She decided to be honest," I am prone to panic attacks."

"Panic attacks are triggered by something. What triggered yours?" he added lightly, "don't tell me it was my arrival, I won't believe that I am so awesome."

Dharma gave a vague smile, her mind once again caught in a maelstrom, "No, it was something he said. I think it was about his grandson."

"Do you know him?" Maurya asked with interest.

"Who?" Dharma asked, wearing a blank expression.

"The old man's grandson! Is he not what you were talking about?"

"Yes, yes...his grandson..." she paused and remarked, "Ekveer! That is his name..."

Hearing the name, Maurya froze. They stared at each other in uncertainty and confusion. An inevitable force locking them in a gaze that was beyond comprehension. They were spellbound in a sphere in which their hearts and mind fought a battle within themselves to acknowledge a timeless truth. A minuscule part of the space that was racing against time; a tiny measure of the infinity that was their own to revel in. Like the conspiracies of the stars that cannot be overcome, an unremitting attraction crept upon them insidiously that could not be helped; as old and compelling as the allure between the Moon and the Earth that chased one another. Akin to the rise and fall of the waves in the ocean, their feelings surged and plunged, crashing back to reality with despair.

"Ekveer?" taking a grip on his overpowering senses, Maurya asked, his voice sounding rough.

"Yes, I felt I have heard the name before."

"Or knew the person before?" Maurya suggested and she pondered if she had known someone like that earlier. They sat in comfortable but wary silence, reflecting on the unaccustomed pull one had over the other. The feeling was new to them but not unrecognizable which baffled Maurya and Dharma.

"Shall we leave?" he asked. As she stood up, she lurched. Maurya lent his arms around her waist.

Dharma felt ridiculous, but the intimacy that she discerned in his eyes was not implausible.

Maurya, who was most often indifferent to everything in life, came alive at that moment with a plethora of emotions that stunned him with their fierceness.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 5) Unsavoury Intentions

"Dharma, who is she?" Garima asked her.

"Her cousin Seema!"

A stunned Garima questioned timorously, "What? Are you sure?"

"Yes! It is her cousin. But why would she do it, Garima? She was here all along during the surgery," Dharma quizzed, dismay and anxiety weighing upon her heavily. She recalled an old conversation with Kamya from their school days. Dharma had been upset about a fight between her and a classmate who, in a fit of anger, had taunted Dharma for not remembering her life before coming to Mohandham. Kamya's assurance had comforted her with its logic, "Dharma, it is much better to not remember your life than knowing that your mother abandoned you when you were born. At least, you don't have a family but I do have one, and yet they don't care. Isn't that more painful? That girl who taunted you; was born after four girls and her father wanted to smother her. Her mother wrapped her in a piece of cloth and left her here. You are in a much better position than most of us. I think that is why she taunted you, probably because you are not bitter about your life!"

Recollecting her friend's reasoning, Dharma worried about Kamya's reaction when she would learn that it was her cousin Seema who had tried to hurt her.

'But why Dharma? What is her enmity with Kamya?"

"Don't know, beats me. Kamya always spoke of Seema affectionately."

"Do you think it is possible that Seema lost control of the vehicle?" Garima pondered aloud.

"You showed me the car waiting in the background. Clearly, she had evil intentions."

"Dharma, we should tell this to Guruji."

The current head of the institution was called the Guru.

"Maybe we should hold back till Kamya is awake."

"Seema is here. What if she tries to harm Kamya again?"

"I will keep a watch over her."

Garima checked her wristwatch, "Got to go, Dharma. Talk to Brahim and then decide."

Dharma nodded as they entered the hospital corridor and saw Seema and her family. The mere sight of Seema made Dharma see red but she suppressed her rising fury. To her relief, she saw Brahim. It was not the right place to tell him about Seema. He would not remain calm learning that the woman who caused the accident was here with a guilt-free mien that was inconceivable to Dharma and Brahim. She wondered if Chaitanya was aware of his wife's erratic behaviour or were the couple involved in the misdeed together.

The doctor breezed in to check on Kamya. It did not escape Dharma that Seema was unusually tense. Seema asked a nurse if she could talk to the doctor alone. To Dharma's relief, the nurse refused and Seema wore a sullen look.

"Want to tell you something important but not now. It is imperative that we don't leave Kamya alone," Dharma told Brahim under her breath.

They surrounded the doctor when he came out of the room, "She is fine but we are afraid that there is a clot inside her brain. Only a neurosurgeon can decide whether she needs a burr hole drainage surgery or a craniotomy. She has to be taken to Delhi," and he named a well-known hospital in New Delhi.

"But how will she be taken there?" Brahim asked

"That can be arranged. A donor has volunteered to bear all the expenses. A paramedical team from the Delhi hospital will arrive here shortly with an ambulance to take her. One of the family can go with her,"

"I can go with her," Seema volunteered but Dharma burst out, "No..." All, including the doctor, gave her varying degrees of looks.

 "I think only her fiancé should go with her," Dharma added.

"Fiancé?" Seema's mother asked in suspicion.

"Yes! Brahim is her fiancé and they were planning to make an announcement soon. So, I think he must go with her," Dharma ignored Brahim's frozen face and looked at the doctor questioningly.

He nodded, "Fine, Brahim, come with me. The ambulance will be here soon."

"Who is the donor, doctor?"

The doctor smiled, "Can't reveal the name, Dharma."

As soon as the doctor left, Seema's mother pounced on Brahim, "You didn't tell me about your relationship with Kamya. Don't we ought to know?"

Brahim directed an irritated glance at Dharma, his look promising that he would deal with her later for putting him in such a position.

However, he managed to give a reasonable answer, "We were planning to tell you soon auntie."

"You should have told me earlier. Anyway, it is time to go, Seema," she urged her daughter.

"Ma, there is something I need to do. Why don't you and Chaitanya go? I will follow you," Seema's suggestion rang warning bells in Dharma's head. She sent a quick message to Garima who followed Dharma's instructions and went in search of the Guru with the video footage.

After a lot of persuasion from Seema, Chaitanya left with his mother-in-law. The outrage that had been building up in Dharma over Seema's remorseless act, reached a boiling point, "How can you so carelessly knock down your own cousin like that? Have you lost all your senses?" Dharma's sudden attack took Seema by shock and her face flooded with colour.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh! don't act so innocent! Kamya loved you like her own sister. You are such a heartless bitch to try to kill her. If she does not recover soon..."

Seema exploded angrily, her scorn and fury blinding her, "Or what Dharma? What will you do? You slimy man-eater!"

"What?" Dharma stared at Kamya's cousin in confounding shock, wondering if Seema was mentally ill. The woman had an unhinged look about her and she had turned from demure to a raging frenetic. She continued with her vitriolic outpour, "If Kamya had not brought you to my house that day, I would have got married to Chaitanya and enjoyed his love."

"You are married to him. Have you forgotten that?"

"Yes, but he wants you, not me...!" Seema abused her loudly, calling her names, and some of the nurses who were close by stopped.

"If you hate me, then why did you attack Kamya? You should have aimed for me."

"Oh, I will! Don't worry! I am going to hurt you so badly that no other guy would even look at you. But first Kamya, for bringing you along! I won't spare you either..."

The nurses were shocked at Seema's profanities and Brahim who had returned, asked in awful realization, "My god Dharma, she is the one who hit Kamya?"

"Yes, and intentionally," Dharma replied, certain that Seema had lost her rationality.

Someone quietly asked from the door, "Did you intentionally harm the child?"

Seema swivelled around and saw the Guru, with a coterie of men around him.

She raced ahead to explain but Guruji's assistants held her back, "We have to take you to our office."

Seema threw a violent glance at Dharma, "You will pay for that!"

A couple of head nurses took her away and the Guru approached Dharma and Brahim with kind eyes, "I am grateful Dharma that you and Garima found out the truth before it was too late."

"What will you do with Seema, Guruji?"

"We will have to talk to her first, then her husband and her mother. Maybe we will do a mental health check-up."

"I really hope she does not end up in a police cell, Guruji. Kamya wouldn't want that," Dharma appealed.

"No, that will be our last resort but the safety of Mohandham children is our first priority. So, we will take care of that first. You and Brahim take Kamya out of this place. Rest, we will do as per the law."

"Thank you!"

Dharma recounted the whole episode to a stunned Brahim including the part about Seema's outburst when they were alone.

"The woman is sick, Dharma."

"God knows! You will go with Kamya?"

"Both of us can go with her," Brahim suggested.

"Ok, let me pack up. And if Kamya gets up, call me."

It was a long walk from the hospital to the hostel, although both were part of the campus. She strode swiftly, walking past many buildings that were bustling with activities. Dharma was too preoccupied with Seema's abuse to pay attention to the man following her. The avenue with the canopy of trees was a welcome change from the dry heat and when Dharma heard the sound of gushing water, she was tempted to visit the stream one last time, before she left for the capital city.

Standing on the paved bank of the stream, she watched the water flowing in a steady motion. The florescent water carried pebbles, fallen petals, and leaves. While she stood watching the water, she heard muffled whispers. Alert and alarmed, Dharma ran her eyes around the garden, searching for the source of the whispers.

"Danger here. Go back to him..." the whispers became more audible and she went motionless as their meaning sunk in. Pivoting sharply to return to the hostel, she lurched to a stop as she saw the figure at the end of the garden.

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

The birthday lunch was arranged for Rashika's maternal aunt and the family had assembled in the fine dining restaurant to celebrate. Maurya was the last one to arrive but the gorgeous bouquet and the expensive bottle of red wine he carried made up for his lateness. As the party progressed, Vasukinath greeted Maurya and patted his shoulder, "I heard that you arranged emergency medical care for some poor girl."

"Where did you hear that?" Maurya asked, feigning surprise. He knew that the dean of the hospital was a close friend of Vasukinath and his request for help would have reached Vasukinath.

"K.P. Sinha told me. He was very impressed with your appeal for the helpless."

"They were not helpless but a little bit of help was needed," Maurya dismissed the topic.

Meanwhile, the band had begun to play and a few of the couples moved to the floor. Drawing Maurya playfully to the floor, Rashika enticed him to dance with her. She revelled in the physical proximity that the opportunity gave her. She placed her cheek on his chest and wrapped her hands around him, drinking in the moment. She began to sway to the music. Maurya moved in step with her, his thoughts far away, in a distant land of mountains where the scent of the coral jasmine held the visitor spellbound.

"Arya" Rashika lifted her face and gazed at him, breaking his train of thought.

"Hmm..."

"I told you Arjun wants us to spend a weekend at his farmhouse. Shall we go?" her gaze reflected her yearning and the soft tips of her fingers caressed his clean-shaven jaw with unconcealed desire. The force of her feelings made her tremble in his arms. With a wistful sigh, she snuggled closer to him.

Maurya's eyes skimmed over her flushed face.

"When do you want to go?" he asked softly, the complex trajectories of his mind once again working in tandem.

Rashika asked eagerly, "You will come?"

At his nod, she beamed, "Oh I will tell Arjun that we can make it this weekend. He will arrange for others to be there."

"Exactly, how many are going to be there?"

"Other than Arjun, there will be four more. They are couples."

"Why is Arjun still single? He is the only one, isn't he?" Maurya knew the answer but he still wanted to hear it from Rashika. He had seen Arjun following Rashika like a lapdog.

Rashika blushed before replying, "I don't know. I guess he hasn't found the right girl yet."

"Or the right girl slipped out of his hand long ago and he has not got over her yet," Maurya suggested but Rashika refuted vehemently, afraid that Maurya would not turn up if he knew that Arjun was still hoping for Rashika to change her mind.

"No, it is not true. He has gotten over her long ago. It is just that he is tied up with work now," Rashika explained, unaware of the fleeting smile on Maurya's face. She was overcome with excitement by the way Maurya questioned her about Arjun. Her infatuated mind concluded that it was Maurya's jealousy but somewhere along the same line of thought, she was apprehensive that Maurya would refuse to accompany her to Arjun's farmhouse.

"I know you think he has feelings for me but I don't care Arya. You need not be jealous. I love you too much to even consider his feelings," her impassioned confession made Maurya uneasy and he led her back to the table where everyone was getting ready for cake-cutting.

As the celebrations grew louder and gay, Maurya sensed a strange emptiness in him, a growing ache that refused to be assuaged. He felt like an interloper amongst the family, a mounting aloofness to the celebration around him. He thought he had mastered the art of being lonely but somehow at that moment, a corrosive pain was gnawing at him. While the family clapped and sang joyously and Rashika took his hand in hers possessively, he realized that he was getting immune to her exuberant expression of feelings. A bleak coldness that had always been at the periphery of his disposition enveloped him, leaving him adrift.

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

Chaitanya had tried to gain her attention in the hospital but she had ignored him blatantly.

"Why the hell are you following me like this? You were in Delhi also last week, weren't you?" at his nod, Dharma lost her patience. She wanted to slap his smirking face. Because of that weasel, her friend was lying in the hospital helplessly,

"Dharma, I told you I wanted to offer you a job," he began but Dharma cut him short.

"Cut the crap ok. Do you know that it was your crazy wife who caused the accident?" Dharma's voice rose furiously as he came closer.

"What are you saying?" he asked with a scowl.

"That your wife knocked Kamya down intentionally and she is now in the office answering questions. For god's sake, go back to your wife and get her some help."

To Dharma's discomfort, he came closer and appealed, "Don't you see Dharma? I can't. It is you that I care about. I can divorce her for you. Please Dharma, listen to me," he tried to take her hands but his touch repulsed Dharma and she snatched her hand away in disgust.

Taking a step back, she thundered, "I despise you. Do you understand? Leave me alone."

Her words of dismissal enraged Chaitanya and he grabbed her hand, "If you are not mine, then I will not allow you to be with anyone else. We will die together."

An infuriated Dharma slapped him hard and pushed him away. He staggered back. She began to run towards her hostel. The first stirrings of panic and disquiet impelled her to run faster.