Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 24) From Fancying to Trusting

Maurya caught sight of Dharma as soon as he entered the lobby of Index Fashion House. She was hovering near the reception desk, scrutinizing something on her phone.

"You alright?" Maurya asked, running his eyes over her. Dharma nodded, placing her phone in her handbag.

"Dharma, who is this creep?" Tapan queried.

"He lives in Bilaspur and has been tailing me for some time."

"So how did this happen?"

When Dharma finished narrating the horror, both Tapan and Maurya were stunned.

"Are you saying that you poked his neck and he fainted?" Tapan asked in astonishment, his impression of Dharma going notches higher.

"It is not poking Tapan.  It is an attempt to lower the blood pressure by using pressure points."

"How do you know this?" Maurya asked, even though he was surprised by her quick response to the assault.

"They used to teach such self- defence techniques for girls in our school," Dharma answered. It had been Ambika Mohan's dream to make all the girls in Mohandham prepared in mind and body for such encounters in life.

"I hope the jerk learnt a lesson," Tapan muttered.

"Can we file a report against him?"

"Which police station did the auto driver take him to?"

Dharma named the area where she had escaped from Chaitanya. Maurya checked the nearest police station in the area.

"I think I got the station." He led them to his car, and while getting into the car, he pronounced determinedly, "He is going to regret the day he saw you, Dharma."

When they reached the station, Dharma surveyed the low-roofed building with dismay. It had a gloomy façade and the dull lighting made it drearier. Dharma wished she didn't have to enter the building. However, Maurya was already striding ahead purposefully. She trailed after him while Tapan caught up with her.

The officer on duty was quite pleasant, contrary to Dharma's expectation, and listened to Maurya in earnest.

"Yes, an auto driver dropped a man here some time ago. He said he troubled the passenger." He viewed Dharma, "You are the passenger?" and when she nodded, he continued with his questions, "When did he start stalking you?"  "Was he always alone or with someone else?"

Dharma answered the questions in detail.

"Did he hurt you now in the auto? Are there bruises?"

Dharma hesitated. Maurya observed the myriad expressions flitting across her face while the officer waited for her answer. When Dharma nodded in affirmation, she was asked to show the bruises. She rolled up her sleeves and exposed her upper arm where the impression of Chaitanya's fingers had branded her soft skin with purple discoloration. One of the officers clicked a picture. Maurya's livid gaze caught hers but she looked away.

"Is that all?" the officer inquired.

"No, when I tried to jump out of the auto, he caught my ankle and held on to it tightly. I tripped and the metal rod below the seat hurt me," Dharma said, bending to show the injury on her ankle. There was a blue and black contusion on the spot above her ankle. Other than that, the strap of her sandal had pressed against her skin when Chaitanya had tightened his grip. The strap had left ugly marks on her skin.

Some more pictures were taken and a formal complaint was filed against Chaitanya. Maurya reeled off the many attempts of Chaitanya to ambush Dharma and the officer noted down the information.

"Is he still here?" Maurya asked.

"Yes, in the lock-up. He was knocked out when the driver brought him here but after he gained consciousness, he has been swearing non-stop and abusing the guards verbally," the officer also added that it is a very common behaviour with such creeps; to become aggressive and threaten everyone who comes in their way. 

He looked at Dharma, "There was already a complaint registered against him in the NCW. So, it has been easy for us to identify him. There are certain categories that define stalking behaviour. From what you describe, he comes under the morbidly infatuated category. So, we will investigate and present the matter accordingly." 

Forty-five minutes later, the formalities were completed and they thanked the officer.

They were quiet on their drive back. Tapan was the first one to be dropped. When Maurya drew the car to a halt, Tapan asked, "How long will he remain in the lock-up?"

Maurya twisted around to take a look at her, "Did you file a complaint with the National Commission for Women?"

"Yes, my hostel warden advised me when she learnt that someone was troubling me. So, I registered an online complaint against him."

"Good that you did, because now, the police will expedite the investigation and I believe he will remain in custody till the hearing."

"Thank god!" Tapan alighted and peered at Dharma through the tinted glass of the window. Dharma rolled down the glass.

"Take care Dharma and if you need help, do not hesitate to call me."

"Thanks, Tapan, will do."

When Maurya dropped Tapan at his house, Dharma expected him to take her next to Brahim's house. She had even prepared her thank you speech. However, Maurya had something else in mind.

"I think it will be safe if I take you to my flat tonight," Maurya suggested.

Dharma wondered if she heard him right.

"What do you say?" Maurya glanced at her through the rear-view mirror.

"That is not necessary. I will go home," Dharma stammered out.

"Didn't you tell me that you didn't want to put your friends in jeopardy? My flat will be the safest place for you tonight. No one will know that you are with me."

Dharma considered Maurya's suggestion.

"You allowed me to crash in your friend's house one night. I am just returning the favour," Maurya persuaded.

Dharma was torn between the two options. A small part of her wanted to see where and how Maurya lived, whereas a larger part of her dwelled on Rashika's likely reaction.

"Is it alright with you?" Maurya asked her once again and she mumbled an "Ok"

Dharma’s complete trust in Maurya overrode any hesitation she had about going to his apartment. He had not once taken advantage of his position. Despite her inexperience, Dharma’s assessment of a person was accurate.

The flyover on the outer ring road forked into two; one led to the airport while Maurya took the other road. Dharma bent her head to read the fluorescent sign board, "You stay in Gurgaon?"

"Yes."

By the time, Maurya drove the car into the basement parking of the apartment, Dharma had sent a message to Kamya telling her that she was crashing at a colleague's house due to the lateness of the hour.

The plush apartment tower had an opulent lobby and the guard greeted Maurya reverently. The elevator had a mirror and Dharma winced at her reflection. Strands of hair were sticking out of her elastic loop and there was a pinched look on her face. Her cotton top had creases which she guessed was the result of her stunt with Chaitanya and the paint on her nails was chipped. She compared herself with the elegant Rashika and grimaced at the comparison.

The elevator stopped on the fifteenth floor. As she stepped out, she noticed that there was only one flat on the floor, prompting her to ask suspiciously, "Only one flat? No neighbours?"

"Don't worry, there is an intercom in the living room. You can call the guard if you feel threatened by me," Maurya stated with amusement.

Dharma's face turned hot in embarrassment. It was the first time that someone had read her thoughts. She wondered if her face was so transparent.

"I didn't think of such a thing..." Swallowing, she murmured. But her words hung in the air as Maurya had already entered the apartment. Stepping inside, Dharma caught her breath at the space and swankiness of the flat.

The minimalistic décor reflected Maurya's personality; striking, elegant, understated, and inspiring with an edgy, enigmatic undertone.  She made a wry face at her choice of adjectives; she was like a teenager gushing over him. Nonetheless, what captivated Dharma was the view from the living room.

"This is so breathtaking," she exclaimed in delight.

Maurya opened the French door and invited her to the balcony, "Here, you can enjoy the view more freely now."

The urban landscape left Dharma speechless. Maurya went back inside while she admired the brightly lit backdrop. The shining billboards, the metro line, and the starry sky, all blended into a magical setting for Dharma. She watched as a plane blinked its red lights before making a descent for landing. A metro train crawled out of a roofed station and slithered like a caterpillar on the raised bridge. She heard the cantankerous sounds of horns blaring in the distance. Drawing out a happy sigh, she leaned on the parapet and savoured the many shades of the night.

"Here, hope you will enjoy my coffee," Maurya's voice startled her out of her visual indulgence.

Taking the mug of coffee, Dharma noticed that Maurya had slipped out of his coat and tie. His white shirt was open at the cuffs.

He handed her a tube of ointment, "Apply this on your bruises. It will reduce the pain and discoloration. There is a towel in the washroom cupboard. Use it for a warm sponge."

Dharma nodded, pleased by his concern. "This is a beautiful place to live in..." Dharma expressed, pointing at the sundeck chair and the small round table.

"Yeah, it is a lovely apartment. I chose this flat because this view captivated me..."

"True, I can sit for hours here," Dharma replied with an appreciative smile.

"You can freshen up. I am going to make dinner."

"Oh, I can help you..."

"Sure, you can chop some tomatoes."

Together, they made noodles and tomato soup.

Dharma cut the vegetables and Maurya cooked the noodles in his state-of-the-art kitchen. There was every possible modern device in the kitchen.

Maurya set two plates and glasses on the dining table, "Eat, I am famished."

Tasting the noodles, Dharma thanked him, "This is nice. Thank you, I didn't realize that I was hungry."

Maurya shrugged, accepting her compliment. They talked about work, "So what are your plans for the future?" Maurya asked her.

"Right now, I want to learn whatever I can by working in Index. I haven't thought beyond that."

"Why not? You must plan your life so that you don't miss out on anything," Maurya advised, adding a dash of pepper to his plate.

"From where I come, I would be happy if I can pass the day without any hurdles. Leave alone plans for the future," she quipped, playing down her dismal childhood.

Maurya's face shot up and he studied her bent ahead, taking in the arresting features.

"How was your childhood? Was it abusive?" he asked, attuned to her moods by now.

"Not initially. Jaydev sir and his wife were the gentlest couple I had known. But after their death, there were a couple of superintends who got abusive," and so, Dharma gave away the details of her life in Mohandham. As one of the few victims of abuse, how she has been asked to testify against the warden; as a disturbed child who was prone to nightmares, how she had struggled to fight her inner demons; and as the only girl who was occasionally allowed to stay with Jaydev Mohan and his wife in their house, how she had encountered the jealous taunts of her peers. She narrated everything with casual and self-deprecating humour.  

Maurya listened attentively, asking questions in between, his eyes not straying from her face. He observed the way she lowered her gaze when she talked about the abuse and the subsequent pain as if she didn't want anyone else to see her torment. He noticed how her lips curved in delight at the mention of her mentors and the way her face brightened as she talked about the soaring peaks of Parijatpur.

Maurya understood many aspects of her personality that night; that she did not think beyond the present, not because she was uncertain of the future, but because, she wanted to relish the present. She wished to enjoy, savour, and store the memories of each day in the recess of her mind so that she could look back and smile at them.

She had an inflexible will to overcome hardships and overcome them with or without scars. She did not pay much attention to the scars but she boxed them in one corner of her mind for times to come. Another significant thing Maurya observed about her was that she was totally unaware of her exceptional beauty. It was as if she believed that every woman was born with such beauty.

"What about you? Did you love your mentor?" Dharma asked him.

"Oh yes, Mahendran Namboodri was a tough nut to crack but when he loved, he did it with magnanimity. He spent his life teaching whatever he knew to homeless boys like me. And I used to admire his wit and intellect."

"Were you a difficult boy to discipline?" she asked, curious about him as a young boy.

Maurya laughed, "I used to get into street brawls every other day, that too for silly matters. Many a time, I used to come home in torn shirts and scraped knees. He used to admonish me but at the same time tended to my wounds with love and care. He was the only friend I had. And yet, I used to fight with him for not rescuing other boys who had been with me that night."

The fond smile on his face made Dharma realize that he missed his mentor even now.

"You don't remember anything about your childhood?"

"Nope, nothing. My memory is like this dark hole. Every time I wander into it, I get trapped. With difficulty, I come out of it."

"There must be something to remind you of how you got into the clutches of the child traffickers," Dharma probed, hoping that she did not sound too inquisitive.

"I was found on the floor of a ship in the middle of the ocean. That too unconscious! The other boys had been picked up from countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. I was a surprise addition when the ship landed at Mangapuram," Maurya repeated what he had heard from Mahendran Namboodri plenty of times.

Dharma recognized a man who preferred to be a loner, and who never shared much of his thoughts with anyone else. Rashika must be a special woman if he chose her as his life partner.

"There is a guest room...." Before he finished, Dharma jumped in, "I will take the couch there in the living room."

"Why couch? There is a decent room," Maurya began but once again Dharma interrupted him.

"Please! I will be more comfortable on the couch..."

"As you wish!" he went inside a room to get extra pillows and sheets. Tossing them on the couch, he asked, "Are you sure you will be comfortable here?"

"Yes, I am sure..."

Wishing her a good sleep, Maurya retired for the night.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 23) The Unforeseen Attack

At Vasukinath's house, Rashika and Maurya continued to accept good wishes from the guests.

Rashika remarked, "I didn't know Tapan is dating Dharma. Trust her to catch the most eligible bachelor in the company," her aversion to Dharma was obvious. 

Maurya questioned, his displeasure apparent, "Meaning?"

"I mean that for a nobody like her, Tapan must be a great catch."

"Don't judge everyone with your disposition."

"Why are you so riled up?"

"If you make sweeping statements about someone you hardly know, then I will have a say," Maurya retorted.

"I know that bitch. She has been working under me for months now. Let me be the judge of my employees," Rashika hissed.

"Then keep your opinion to yourself. Do not say it aloud."

"Don't tell me that Dharma has made an impression on you!"

Maurya snapped at her, "With such enormous talent, she would make an impression on anyone."

A guest came up to greet them and Rashika heaved a sigh of relief. She did start the bickering with Maurya, but she had not expected him to come to Dharma's defence so quickly. It infuriated her.

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

When Shankaran Murthy and Dushyant found an ancient manuscript that had some text about rivers, they were quite excited and hoped that they would find what they were looking for in the manuscript.

"You know Shankaran, in olden times, rivers too were accorded legal status," Dushyant divulged the piece of information that he had heard from his grandfather.

"You mean like human rights?"

"No, it means giving legal rights to non-human entities. Rivers were considered sacred then, of course even now some of them are venerated, but during those times, the law enforced legal standing to rivers. So, they could not be polluted. There were care-takers of the rivers who took responsibility for them."

"Who were the care-takers? Weren't the kingdoms, the official care-takers?"

"Yes, the natural resources were like these corporations that exist today...Aren't they provided legal rights? Similarly, there were societies then, that took care of such resources. All rivers were not used for commercial trade, only specific ones, and then there were other rivers which were used exclusively for hydro-therapy and healing," Dushyant explained what he had understood from his ancestors.

"No one could be more aware of the significance of water than our ancestors...From birth to death, our ceremonies use water. Without water, nothing can be consecrated for us."

"Yes, also those kingdoms had set very high standards for water and ecology conservation."

"Speaking of conservation, why did they burn down a thriving forest then?"

"There is a serpent in every paradise. I guess some monster started the ruin. It spelt the beginning of the end," Dushyant sighed, taking a brief break from studying the manuscripts. "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"Sure, why not? I will take you to a place where you get the best filter coffee."

Later, sipping the aromatic coffee, Dushyant expressed, "It has been almost a week. I wish we find something in the palm leaf manuscripts. I know that one of the rivers held a staggering secret."

"The black hole?"

"Not black hole exactly."

"Right! Do you think global warming could have caused the rivers to dry up?" Shankaran asked thoughtfully.

"Maybe but it may not be the only reason. The rivers are shrinking under the weight of monstrously growing cities."

Returning to the library, they began to peruse the old manuscripts that had hymns dedicated to rivers. Names of many rivers had changed over time and some of the rivers like Sarasvati had dried up and some others had dwindled to a stream.

Reading aloud from the leaf of a text, Dushyant excitedly pointed out a verse that was an ode to a river,

"O Brahma O Vodya,

First united and then divided,

Flowing across three lands,

Like a chariot, you race towards

The churning ocean..."

"See, this is about the river Brahma-Vodya. There were five great rivers in those times, one of them was Brahma-Vodya."

"What are the others?"

"That is what I am trying to find. If I can trace one of them, then I can unravel the mystery."

"By tracing the river, what can you find?" Shankaran asked mystified.

"The modern cities on the bank of the rivers are like a palimpsest; rewritten on the history of the old settlement. Traces of the old way of life can be found somewhere. If we look in the right places, we can find something."

Despite the slow progress, Shankaran was very happy to read through the old manuscripts and acquire knowledge of the bygone times. He was taking down the names of unheard-of kingdoms when Dushyant cried out, "Oh god! Look at this Shankaran. We have found the rare name of a river..."

"Oh, what is it?"

"I believe people of the ancient kingdom of Alaka worshipped this river..."

"And?"

"It was called River Yakshagni! There is a poem on the river."

"Read it..."

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

Dharma finished work late and took an auto home. Through the last two days, her mind had padlocked itself on that moment when Maurya and she had feasted their eyes on each other at the party. She had seen the leap of interest in his eyes, but then all of a sudden, he had turned angry, and she had been flummoxed by his volte-face. What had brought it on? Her thoughts swirled in a vicious circle over and over again.

The auto stopped at the signal and she checked her mobile for messages. A man jumped into the auto, startling Dharma. She was shocked by the sight of a bulky man in a hood beside her. Violently offended by the brazen manner in which he planted himself in her space, Dharma shrank into the corner of the auto and snarled contemptuously, "Who the hell are you?"

The auto-driver turned around and ordered the man to get out. The man pushed the hood back from his head and regarded Dharma with glee, "Hello Dharma, we meet once again."

The despicable face of Chaitanya enraged Dharma, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

The driver glanced at Chaitanya and then at Dharma, "do you know him?" he asked her.

"Yes, we are old friends..." Chaitanya answered, stroking her cheek. Jerking her face away, she tried to jump out of the auto from the other side but Chaitanya caught hold of her tightly, "Don't move girl or I will slit your throat."

At his threat, Dharma whipped her face back at him and viewed the pen-knife in horror. The signal turned green, and the auto driver hastened the vehicle. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he drove towards the nearest police station.

Chaitanya cupped her face and declared fervently, "I love you so much, Dharma, come with me. I will make you the happiest person in the world."

Chaitanya's eyes were fixed intensely on her face, and hence, he did not take note of Dharma's left-hand sneaking into her bag. She found the spray tin inside and removed the cap without making a noise.

Wrenching her face from his hold, she slapped him hard in the moving auto. A furious Chaitanya raised his hand to slap her back but she extracted the tin of spray from her bag swiftly and sprayed the fiery liquid on him.

Screaming in agony, Chaitanya covered his face at once; the auto driver turned around in fright. Dharma asked him to slow down.

"Didi, I am driving to the police station. It is just ten minutes away."

"Take him to the station but I am jumping out."

Thrusting Chaitanya away, Dharma tried to bounce out of the auto. Rubbing his eyes, Chaitanya realized that Dharma was escaping. He grabbed her ankle quickly and held on to it hard.

Dharma struggled to break away from Chaitanya's hold. The driver noticed her struggle and slowed the auto once more. Using the only option she had, Dharma jammed her two fingers on Chaitanya's neck, precisely on the running veins. His hold slackened on her ankle. She pushed him back and jumped out of the auto. Chaitanya shut his eyes in pain and lost consciousness.

The driver gaped at his passengers and shrieked, "Is he dead?"

"No, I have only rendered him unconscious. Now, take him to the police station and inform them that he was troubling a girl." The driver nodded his head approvingly and stated, "I wish every girl learnt that trick. I have two daughters and I am always worried about them."

"I learnt it in my school. Thank you!" she crossed the road and took another auto. This time, she was going back to her office.

***************.

The day was coming to an end and Maurya stared at his laptop screen without really seeing it. He viewed the figures and numbers abstractedly but nothing made sense. Of late, he found no pleasure in work. The uncontrollable desire to work non-stop had come down and the frightening compulsion that made him prioritize work over everything else had waned in the last few days.

"May I come in?" Tapan peeped from the doorway and Maurya's eyes glittered with cold fury. He nodded but feigned to be engrossed in the screen.

Tapan waited, and after fifteen minutes of silence in the room, he sat down. Maurya seemed absorbed in his work.

"I can come later if you are busy," Tapan suggested.

"What do you want?"

Tapan placed a sketch in front of Maurya. "That is a special outfit I have sketched. I was hoping that it would be displayed along with Dharma's at the Modhera fashion show."

Maurya studied the sketch, "Why are you so keen on showing your piece in Modhera?"

Relieved that Maurya was not angry with him, Tapan began to explain enthusiastically, "A ramp walk in Modhera is such a brilliant suggestion. I would love to have a show in a place like that. I looked up online about the monument the other day and I fell in love with it. Now, I am desperate to show at least one piece there."

"The show is Dharma's baby. Do you want to spoil her day by displaying your creation?"

"No, no, I don't want to spoil. I just want one piece of mine to be part of the show."

"No, it will be Dharma's exclusive show. Tapan, you are a sought-after designer. You will get many chances to have your own runway, especially in exotic fashion capitals."

"Dharma is also good," Tapan began but Maurya intervened.

"Yes, she is but this is her first show and I want her to be the focus of attention."

Tapan fell quiet. Maurya had not shown an iota of jealousy when he had taken Dharma to the party but now, he insisted that Dharma should have an exclusive show in Modhera. What the devil was going on in Maurya's head? Maybe Tapan was mistaken; Maurya, in all likelihood, considered Dharma as nothing but an employee. And if that was the case, then Tapan had no right to interfere. He must let things the way they are.

"Is that all or do you have anything else to discuss?" Maurya's curt tone reminded him that he was gawking at Maurya. The blandness of expression as Maurya stared at the screen could have fooled anyone but Tapan. He took a bet on his life that Maurya was mad at him.

Tapan sauntered to the door. Bingo!

"Next time, you want to spend time with Dharma, use your own turf," Maurya's voice rumbled across the room.

Tapan paused and whirled around slowly. If he had been alone, he would have pushed his fist into the air in delight.

"Care to explain?" Tapan challenged.

Maurya leaned back on his chair and sneered, "First the party, and now the fashion show? You want to date her, take her out to some other place. Don't use my territory..."

"I thought it was Rashika's territory."

Maurya's eyes narrowed at him, "What is your point?"

"Nothing. You are right I should take Dharma outside the office to get to know her," Tapan observed the savagery that gleamed at him, he continued in delight, "Thanks for the suggestion though."

Maurya threw a seething look at Tapan but was stopped from answering when his phone rang. Without glancing at it, he gnarled, "Hello!"

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

The moment Dharma reached her office, she asked the guard to let her inside, lying that she had forgotten something. Once she was inside the building, she gasped for air. She hadn't gone home because she had not wanted to reveal to Chaitanya that she was staying with Brahim and Kamya. She deemed it necessary to avoid exposing her friends to Chaitanya's evil schemes. He had known her hostel, and when he couldn't find her there, he had come to her office which meant that he was unaware of her new residence. Till she was certain that the creep was out of her life for good, she would prefer to stay put in the office. Who knows what he would do next! And by now, he may have already escaped from the clutches of the law.

That reminded her of Maurya informing her that he had asked a friend to take care of Chaitanya? She recalled the conversation with Maurya when she had pompously told him that she could take care of herself. What a fool she had been! She should have realized by then that Chaitanya was a dastardly human. Only someone as influential as Maurya could stop him.

Disturbed by the incident, she contemplated reporting it to Maurya. After all, he had made it plain that it was the responsibility of the company to take care of its employee's safety.

When Maurya answered her call, Dharma rushed along, "You said you took care of Chaitanya but he is still roaming around free. He jumped into the auto I was travelling in."

Hearing her incoherent words, Maurya rose from his seat in bewilderment, "What? I don't get you. What happened?"

"I was going home in an auto and he jumped into the auto forcefully. I tried to push him away but he threatened me with a knife."

Maurya's loud expletives seized Tapan's attention.

"Where are you now?" Maurya asked, battling with his inner demon for sanity.

"I am in the office. I thought it was safer to be here."

"Where is the bastard?"

"I knocked him out and asked the auto driver to take him to the nearest police station," Dharma confessed and it took a moment for Maurya to understand her.

"You did what?" Maurya flared, scowling at his watch and closing his laptop at the same time.

"I told you..."

"I heard you. Wait for me. Don't leave alone. This will be the last time the creep troubles you,"

When Maurya's phone rang, Tapan, assuming that it was Rashika, was preparing to leave, but seeing Maurya's outrage, he stopped.

"What is wrong Maurya? Who is troubling whom?"

Maurya marched out of his office and Tapan followed him.

"Maurya, answer me..."

"There is a piece of shit stalking Dharma from Parijatpur. I had asked someone to keep an eye on him. Apparently, he slipped out and now, almost attacked Dharma."

"Good lord!"

Maurya banged the door of his office shut with aggression.

"I am coming with you Maurya."

Maurya did not hear Tapan. He did not even protest when Tapan slid into the car. At the moment, all that mattered to him was Dharma. How frightened she must have been by the scumbag's perversion. Incensed by the gall of the man, he swore aloud, the bloody creep!

He put the pedal to the metal, almost disregarding traffic rules. He felt bloodthirsty. If he got his hand on that son of a bitch, he would kill him.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 22) Friends for Life

The party was arranged in the landscaped garden of Vasukinath's house and he had invited many of his business associates. The place was bustling with relatives, friends, and staff of their companies. Rashika looked stunning in an ivory gown, complementing Maurya's grey suit and cream shirt. She joined Maurya the moment he arrived.

Maurya, on his part, regarded the gathering with displeasure. He pondered why anyone would spend so much money and time on an event that was merely a formality preceding the wedding. It was such a wasted effort. While he mulled over the arrangements, Rashika preened as she and Maurya became the cynosure of all eyes. The gentle breeze wafting across the garden carried sighs of bliss, envy, and approval.

Maurya was having a pointless conversation with a distant relative of Rashika when he saw her enter with Tapan.

The breeze that drifted across the lawn, grew heavy with undercurrents. The steady but very gentle wind turned stiff, pausing for a moment, and then flitting across the crowded garden unsteadily. With a flagrant disregard for the prevailing harmony, it dispelled the air of complacency. The ripples of chaos that fluttered over the trees and grass scattered a few leaves from the array of their smug stance. The swirling gust of wind signalled the end of sprightly spring; in its place was a scorching and passionate summer ahead. The faint sting of brewing turbulence grated on the oasis of blitheness.

Maurya went still but strove hard to remain where he was, as a shutter came down his face. His gaze roved over her, taking note of her silky tresses, the shy awe on her face as her eyes skimmed over the gathering, the slender neck that balanced her exquisite face, and her mildly withdrawn demeanour.

The expanse of the greens between the spot where Maurya stood and the arched entry was considerably large, and yet, he took note of the way Tapan held her elbow in a casual manner. It tempted him to prise her out of Tapan's captivating charm. In the darkening twilight, Dharma’s sequined gown began to shimmer. Maurya's attention picked up the gasps of male appreciation around him. He recognized the mushrooming interest of his ilk that identified a quarry.

He bristled in indignation.

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

Dharma had seen such mansions and gardens only in the spread of glossy magazines. The guests milling around, flaunted designer outfits, exclusively branded accessories, and finely groomed figures. The garden was lit with a series of bulbs that lent a glow of lavishness to the surrounding. She searched for a glimpse of a familiar face but none fit the bill

Spotting known faces, Tapan led her to an assembled group of staff from Krishna Industries. Many of them darted curious looks at her and Tapan, silently questioning their equation. If Tapan observed the unspoken queries, he did not deem it necessary to respond, however, Dharma did discern that her arrival with Tapan had created a buzz in the circle. Tapan, in a long black tunic and white narrow trousers, drew steady attention. Dharma's glance roamed around the garden and locked itself on the striking couple who exuded an aura of gentility. Rashika and Maurya were attired in similar colour tones and they complemented each other with their contrasting personalities. She looked small and demure beside a tall and confident Maurya. Dharma's eyes unwillingly strayed to Maurya's face. The halo and mystique that surrounded Maurya normally intrigued her once again.

Dharma noted that the men and women around Maurya were hanging on to every word he spoke, even Rashika was listening to him with rapt attention. He encompassed his listeners in one glance, unwittingly relaying to a keen observer that he considered them a bunch of persons rather than an individual. A slightly lopsided smile remained on his face as the conversation came to an end. A couple of men withdrew while others stayed put, expressing their opinions.

Dharma awaited with bated breath for Maurya to turn his eyes on her. And to her delight, Maurya did toss a glance at her over the top of some, standing in front of him. His lack of surprise on sighting her indicated that he had already seen her.

The evening mellowed to a warmly luscious night. Like a soft whisper their gazes brushed, quickly skipping away, afraid of revealing too much. Nevertheless, they returned grudgingly, drawn by a puzzling compulsion. This time, they let their eyes linger on each other, an age-old comprehension leaping into their glances. His languid and hers judicious, their fleeting looks absorbed each other's presence with an undisguised intensity. While Maurya's eyes glided over her unhurriedly, Dharma's nerves sizzled under his scrutiny. Faced with the option of withdrawing herself into a shell like a shrinking violet or bravely withstand his visual exploration of her, Dharma chose the latter.

Doubtlessly, he presumed she enjoyed his inspection. The sudden frigidness that descended on his mien, swayed her self-assuredness and she shivered as Maurya's icy stare withdrew from her.

Shaken and confused, Dharma became aware of Tapan speaking to her. She hadn't realized that his arm had glided around her waist to draw her away from the trolley that was being wheeled towards the center stage. Tapan sought her opinion on something and she gave hers without any recollection of what she said later. A certain reluctance to prolong the misguided impression about her and Tapan urged her to move away.  Excusing herself, Dharma wandered towards the team from Index, who made their entry just then.

"Hi, you said you may not turn up?" Sonia quizzed. To everyone's surprise, Sonia had worn a sari and she looked very striking in it.

"Yeah, the event got cancelled. You look stunning Sonia," Dharma complimented, and a pleased Sonia returned the same, "And Dharma, you look gorgeous."

Smiling, Dharma, voluntarily, held back from displaying any kind of curiosity about Maurya or Rashika. She refused to let her gaze slide towards the couple. She reached for the glass of juice that a waiter offered.

Pooja teased, "Dharma, you were reluctant to come in the afternoon. Who changed your mind?"

"No one dear. I just thought I shouldn't disappoint Rashika."

"Right, but I know who..." Pooja insinuated, glancing at Tapan. Miffed, Dharma did not seem it fit to provide an answer.

Pooja then intimated with an air of hush-hush, "Here comes our diva...Lekha ma'am..."

Lekha wore a long flowing top over a pair of palazzos. Not paying much attention to Dharma, she greeted others. Sonia and Lekha embraced each other as if they were long-lost friends. They moved towards the centre of the garden where a small circular stage had been set up.

From the corner of her eyes, Dharma saw someone move towards her.

"Hey Dharma, nice to see you here," Akhil Sampath greeted.

"Hi, Akhil!"

"You look stunning. Black makes you look sharp," he extolled.

Dharma winced at his words, "Sharp?" she asked, forcing herself to be courteous.

"Yeah, you know, that needle-like beauty..."

"Ok, I got it," Dharma intervened before Akhil spouted more nonsense. She turned her face away and Pooja grinned naughtily at her. Sighing, Dharma ignored Akhil but he drew her attention by suggesting, "You know, I think you should move to Krishna Industries."

Frowning, Dharma asked, "Why would I move there?"

"Your talents are getting wasted in Index Fashion. In Krishna Industries, at least you will give competition to Tapan."

"Tapan is a senior and a very talented designer. I have no intention of being a competition to him."

"That is sweet of you but..."

"Look, Akhil, I know you mean well but can we drop the subject?"

"Sure! I..."

Vasukinath Krishna called everyone's attention as he spoke over the microphone on the stage. Dharma was thankful to him, for, she got a brief reprieve from Akhil's irksome company.

"Dear all, I am very grateful to you for being here to share our good news. As you know, my daughter Rashika is engaged to Maurya Anurag Verma, the chairman of Krishna Industries. I am happy to announce the date of their wedding..."

Dharma's ears blocked the rest of his words as she grappled with the truth of his announcement. Hearing it with such precision, Dharma realized the grim reality.

That Maurya was a forbidden fantasy that she had no right to dream of....

The sudden applause around her startled her from her preoccupation. Belatedly, she joined others in cheering the couple. A quietly smiling Maurya and a beaming Rashika stood in the center of the stage, accepting good wishes from the guests. Pooja clamped her fingers on Dharma's arm and pulled her towards the stage, "Come Dharma, everyone is wishing the couple."

Dharma balked from facing Maurya that close. She held back, "You go Pooja. I will follow you."

Pooja frowned, "But why?"

"I will go with her," Akhil piped.

With exasperation, Dharma bit out, "Don't you have anything else to do?"

Akhil sputtered awkwardly, "Dharma, I was being helpful..."

"We know how helpful you can be Akhil. Now, scoot," Tapan joined the tableau and Dharma heaved a sigh of disgruntlement.

Akhil scurried away at Tapan's pointed stare. With adoring glances, Pooja greeted him, "Hi, Tapan!"

"Hi, shall we say hello to the celebrity couple?" Tapan asked and Pooja giggled. Together, the three advanced towards the stage.

Dharma held on to her composure with much difficulty as she followed Tapan and Pooja. There was a queue of people who waited for their turn to wish the couple. Joining the line, Tapan chatted, making others in the row laugh at his sardonic humour. Dharma was the only one who wasn't amused much, for the reason that she hadn't listened to him. Her attention was focused on the looming interaction with Maurya and Rashika. When their turn came, Tapan was the first one to wish, Pooja scrambled to convey hers with Tapan. When Tapan stepped aside, to allow Dharma to come forward, Rashika drew herself to full height, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Dharma accorded a friendly smile at Rashika, "Congratulations and best wishes!"

Taking her offered hand, Rashika replied with smug vindication, "Thanks!"

Ignoring the worrying triggers of anxiety, Dharma flung her glance at Maurya, not aware that another three pairs of eyes followed her; Tapan's prying, Rashika's glacial and Pooja's interested.

"Congratulations!" Dharma uttered, maintaining her assumed detachedness.

Maurya nodded, not bothering to answer her. Tapan snapped a wisecrack, "So, is this the last announcement before the wedding or will there be another one to remind everyone of the wedding?"

Pooja laughed; Rashika grinned while Maurya threw daggers at him. Dharma paid scant attention to Tapan's words.

"So funny Tapan! But no, there will not be any more announcements. The wedding is set in motion. Now, it is only a question of getting through the waiting period," Rashika gushed, snaking her hand around Maurya's upper arm.

"How romantic! Since Maurya is someone who does not play the field much, it will be easy for you two to get through the period..." Tapan's reply elicited a much more cheerful smile from Rashika this time around. She shot an ecstatic look at Maurya, placing her head on his arm lovingly. Dharma looked away stiffly.

"Why don't you take the ladies for the buffet Tapan?" Maurya suggested brusquely.

"Sure, I will show Pooja the buffet but Dharma and I have other plans..." With a mysterious smile at Maurya and Rashika, he led Dharma and Pooja away from the stage.

Dharma scowled at him, "What did you mean there? We don't have other plans."

"I know. I will explain later," Tapan replied, aware that Maurya was watching them; his stare prickling Tapan on the back of his neck.

Leaving Pooja behind, Tapan asked Dharma, "Would you like to join me for dinner? A friend of mine is throwing a party. Come along," he invited but Dharma declined.

"Just drop me home. I have to go early tomorrow for work."

"You haven't had dinner..." he protested.

"It is alright. I am not hungry anyway."

Tapan did not argue. Quietly, he led her to his car, and to Dharma's relief they drove away swiftly from the ostentatious set up. Tapan realized that by bringing Dharma to the party, he had unknowingly caused her pain. He knew that Dharma was attracted to Maurya and he had wanted to make Maurya jealous. But he should have known that Maurya was not a person who expressed his emotions glaringly. No one knew how Maurya's mind worked. Tapan understood, early in his job that Maurya's brain was a conundrum, a baffling collection of tangled nerves that no one attempted to unravel. Even today, Tapan was not sure whether or not Maurya was envious at the sight of him and Dharma together. However, Tapan perceived that the announcement had distressed Dharma. He had noticed her dismayed reaction.

What a fool he had been! To meddle with Maurya. He should have known better. At least, he could have spared Dharma from the heartache. Sighing, he stole a glance at Dharma. She was unusually quiet.

"I am sorry to have dragged you to the party Dharma."

She shot him a look, "Didn't you want to play mischief?"

"No, I didn't want to hurt you, Dharma. That was never my intention."

"Who said I am hurt?"

Tapan remained quiet, not wanting to add to her woes. Dharma studied his profile thoughtfully, trying to understand his motives.

"You don't like Rashika. Do you?" Dharma asked.

Tapan shrugged, "No, I don't."

"Why?"

"I think she is a misfit in Maurya's life."

Dharma laughed, shaking her head at Tapan's naivety.

"What is so amusing?" he asked

"Don't you hero-worship Maurya?"

"So?"

"I mean you can't find any greyness in your hero."

"Maurya is not grey," Tapan refuted Dharma's claim.

"If you say so."

"Of course, I say so. What do you know about him? I have worked with Maurya for three years and I can say that I know him better than you," Tapan argued.

"I guess I have nothing to say then. Thanks, Tapan, for the enlightening evening," Dharma's words reminded him that he had reached her house.

"Hey, let us have dinner somewhere quiet. I would like to continue this conversation."

"What about your dinner party?"

"Chuck that. Come on, I will take you to the best restaurant in the city. Your favourite cuisine?" he asked

"Asian, especially Lebanese." Dharma was glad that she was learning quickly to be urbanely refined.

"Good, then I am taking you to the best Lebanese joint."

That night marked a significant change in Dharma's relationship with Tapan. As the hours flew and the night edged to an end, Tapan and Dharma showed no sign of exhausting their topics of interest. They discussed about everything under the sun. Dharma learnt that Tapan had a crush on his art teacher in school and she had been the one who had directed him to recognize his innate talent. Apparently, no one had come close to her in his later years.

Tapan's view of life was completely different from her way of looking at life. They disagreed, argued, and finally, accepted each other's theories. Unlike her, he had a family who showered their love on him. His parents were settled in Gwalior and his elder brother was working in Singapore. His younger sister was interning at a bank in Frankfurt. He stayed in his family house and a maid looked after his necessities. Learning about Dharma's gruelling childhood, Tapan gathered that he had not needed to hanker after anything in life.

Despite their contrary lives, they found a lifelong friend in each other. Reiterating her earlier perception, Dharma found a childlike innocence in Tapan whereas Tapan recognised a survivor in Dharma.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 21) The Heart has its Reasons

Shankaran Murthy was delighted to receive a mail from Dushyant Bhadera and felt privileged to accompany his friend to dig into the archives of the old library in Thanjavur. Saraswathi Mahal Library, established in the 16th century by one of the ruling Nayaks had on display some of the rarest palm leaf manuscripts. Shankaran was elated that he would have a chance now to find his way into the vault of ancient knowledge.

When there was no response from Maurya regarding his visit to Avadhi, Shankaran made a call to the younger man's office and learnt that Maurya was in hospital. He wasn't certain about the nature of the accident but he was worried for the younger man.

A week later, he met Dushyant in Thanjavur. Dushyant briefed Shankaran about his father's advice; that he would find some lead in the scripts that were eternalized for succeeding generations in one of Asia's oldest libraries.

"So Dushyant, what is the topic that I should look for?"

"Ancient kingdoms, rivers... or cities that had been built on the banks of rivers that flow no more. You know, some hint about a secret that guarded a kingdom or a river."

The two men spent the entire day, attempting to read as many manuscripts as possible but soon, it was time for the library to close for the day and they had to make an exit.

Late evening, when Shankaran and Dushyant met for dinner, the latter spoke about the ancient dynasty, about which, his ancestors had narrated to their descendants.

"You know Shankaran, there was this belief then that a prophecy about a love had brought down the powerful kingdom."

"What kind of a prophecy?"

"From what I understood, it was about an innocent love between an unmatched pair that had spelt doom for the kingdom."

"So, what about the forest that was burnt down? You said that its inhabitants cursed the kingdom."

Dushyant answered with a sigh, "There are so many tales that I have heard, Shankaran. I don't know which is real and which is myth. All I know is that I have to find a secret that had guarded the dynasty and let our posterity live in peace."

"But Dushyant, you must have some idea about the topic."

"What I am searching for, is a manuscript pertaining to ancient rivers in India. Apparently, this river holds the secret that would release the curse of the prophecy. My forefathers believed that the kingdom was home to many types of tribes. One of the tribes who worshipped rivers as their deity lived in the forest and they had something to do with the downfall of the kingdom."

"Good, at least now I know what I am looking for."

The next morning, Dushyant and Shankaran were the first ones inside the library. By mid-afternoon, they had various manuscripts and books spread on the table. They poured over each one and took notes from some. The palm-leaf manuscripts had to be handled very carefully. Photography was prohibited inside the library; hence they took as many notes as possible. One manuscript written in Nandinagari script interested Dushyant.

"Shankaran, this is written in Nandinagari script. I remember that you used to translate this script to Mahendran, sir."

Shankaran nodded, reaching for the manuscript. He read the first few leaves and said, "This document is about the significance of water and how we should conserve it. It talks about the divinity of water and how in Vedic times, water was thought to bring happiness, peace, good health and wealth. Oh wait! It is only one of the many volumes. This one is called 'Water and Universe'. Dushyant, there are many volumes here. This is volume -3. Let us search for others."

Half an hour later, Dushyant found volume-2 which was titled, 'Water and its gods'. They also discovered volume - 1, 'Water as a primeval element'.

"The contents in these volumes are so interesting Dushyant. According to Rig Veda, water is the foundation of all in this universe. Look at this volume, I got hold of. It is volume-4 and it talks about 'Water and Vedas"."

"I am sure, we will get some clue in one of the volumes. How many volumes are there?"

"I am not sure. These palm leaf manuscripts have more than a hundred volumes."

"So, it might take more than a week to find out. And it is even possible that we don't find anything useful. Are you prepared for the gruelling task Shankaran? I hope you don't have anything urgent to go back to," Dushyant asked doubtfully.

"No, nothing urgent there. I am grateful that you invited me here. It is truly an enriching experience to read through these scripts and learn so much about our world. I haven't come across such in-depth conclusions in modern books. Such an overall mastery of any topic under the sun is astonishing. We really had some enlightened men then," Shankaran observed enthusiastically.

He was very excited to spend hours in the brightly lit room where the learned men, through their logic and understanding, created storehouses of knowledge. Three days later, they found volume-9, 'Water and Prithvi'. The volume had many segments. One of the segments was Rivers. However, the segments were written in different manuscripts. One thing that they were certain about, was that they would find what they were searching in one of the volumes. The library stored more than 25000 palm leaf manuscripts and the bulk of them were written in scripts like Grantha, Devanagari, Nandinagari, Tamil, and Telugu. Shankaran and Dushyant were prepared to toil through the manuscripts however long it took them.

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

Maurya was generally in a belligerent mood after his discharge from the hospital. The workload had mounted and appointments had piled up. For the past one week, he had been in and out of meetings. Moreover, the unreasonable time spent cloistered in the airconditioned rooms was causing him excessive headache. Nonetheless, what really bugged him was that not once had Dharma enquired about his accident. It should not anger him so much but it did and he had no logical explanation for it.

He was reading a document when Tapan knocked.

"Good morning Maurya, I must say that you are looking much better than the last time I saw you."

"When did you see me last?" Maurya asked, glad to be interrupted by his baneful thoughts about the world in general.

"I guess, a couple of days ago, at the meeting with the production department regarding the quality of the fabrics."

"Right! I feel much better today."

"There is a rumour going around in the office that there will be a big announcement today," Tapan probed.

Maurya's face shot up and he regarded Tapan with interest, "I haven't come across a bigger busybody than you. Where do you gather so much gossip?"

Tapan laughed and dropped heavily on the chair, "I guess old habits die hard. So, is there an announcement?"

Vasukinath Krishna was holding a party at his house that evening and he planned to announce a date for Rashika and Maurya's wedding.

"Yes, Vasukinath plans to announce the date for the wedding," Maurya replied, contemplating the view outside his window.

"No wonder, you look depressed," Tapan murmured and Maurya eyed him sharply. A guardedness sneaked into his eyes now and he quizzed, "You said something?"

"No, nothing! I just went through Dharma's designs for the show and they are excellent. The collection is really unique. I wouldn't mind being part of the show and contributing my bit. They are amazing."

"If you are done waxing eloquent about her collection, I suggest that you focus your sight on our upcoming India Textile and Fabric Expo," Maurya's biting answer irritated Tapan.

"What have you got against her? Her designs are absolutely brilliant."

"Why are you falling over yourself to impress her? You want to hit on Dharma, do it. Don't trouble me with all your devotion."

Maurya's long legs took him to the window. An unexplained rage rose out of nowhere, unsettling him.

"Oh my god! You are jealous," Tapan uttered in surprise. Maurya swivelled around in fury. The incongruity of Tapan's words made him lash out at the talented designer.

"What? Mind your bloody business Tapan. Don't cross the limit. I don't understand how you come up with such rubbish," Maurya scoffed.

"I just made an observation," Tapan muttered, his shrewd eyes taking note of Maurya's discomfiture.

"Well, next time keep your observations to yourself. Is that all or do you want to say something else?"

"Yes, I had something important to talk about Dharma. But since you are in such a foul mood, I think I will not add to your troubles," Tapan countered, baffling Maurya.

"Spill it out. What are you waiting for?" Maurya snarled but Tapan rose from the chair, "No, another time probably..."

"Tapan..." Maurya bellowed but Tapan had left the room and Maurya sighed in frustration. Damn! What did Tapan want to say about Dharma? He hoped that she was doing fine. Or was she ill or something? Is that why she didn't call him when he was in the hospital? Unable to contain his intense desire to know about her wellbeing, he called her.

"Hello..."

She sounded fine and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hello? Maurya?" her voice came out tentatively and he answered, "Hi, yeah Dharma, is the collection ready for a trial run?"

"No, that would take one more week."

She sounded fit and fine. It spurred him to rebuke, "Why so late? It should have been ready by now. This is no time to procrastinate. I want to see the collection by Monday," he ended the call before she gave him an answer.

Maurya marched out of the office as his assistant and receptionist gaped at him.

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

Dharma was filled with a primitive emotion that urged her to fling the phone on the floor. Procrastinate? How dare he? She was working day and night to get the collection ready, that too without any help from Lekha or Rashika; and the man had the audacity to accuse her of procrastinating. She clenched her teeth and slumped on the chair. How can she get the collection ready by Monday? It was already Friday and some garments had to be sewed. Sighing, she rubbed her forehead wearily.

She was checking the box of silk threads when the office boy gave her an invitation card.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Oh, it is the invitation for a party at Rashika's house," Pooja stated.

"You mean Rashika has invited us for a party? Did the Sun rise in the west today?" joking, Dharma slit open the envelope and examined the card.

All the employees were cordially invited for a special gathering at Rashika's house.

"There is going to be a big announcement today," Pooja added with excitement.

"Oh, what announcement?" Dharma asked distractedly.

"I guess it is Rashika ma'am's wedding..."

Dharma shot a glance at Pooja, "Meaning?"

"I think her father is going to announce the date for Rashika ma'am and Maurya sir's marriage."

Dharma went pale and she inspected the invitation card once more. Her mind tried to conjure a picture of Maurya and Rashika together but she could not, her brain blanked out the image. She shut her eyes in dejection but a tenebrous image of someone placing a band of flowers on her head shimmered behind her closed eyes. She jerked open her eyes at once, her pulses picking up pace and beads of sweat forming above her eyes.

"Are you alright Dharma?" Pooja asked with concern.

Nodding, Dharma rushed to the washroom. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her nerves. What was that dreamlike impression? Who was placing a band of flowers on her head? Was her memory coming back in bits and flashes? And why did it come now when she was troubled by the invitation?

Splashing water on her face, she returned to her desk and decided not to attend the event. Sonia came by and asked, "Who all are attending the event? I can arrange a vehicle for you. Rashika has conveyed that she would be glad to have you all."

At once, Dharma knew she wouldn't go, especially to please Rashika.

"Dharma, you are coming, right?" Sonia queried.

"I am not sure, Sonia. I may have to go to my friend's school."

"Rashika will not like if you don't turn up," Sonia warned. Nevertheless, Dharma was certain that Rashika will not like if she turned up.

After Sonia left, Dharma mulled over the invitation, regarding it with testy eyes. Diverting her attention from it, she left office. On her way, she received a call from Tapan.

"Hi Dharma, what's up?"

"All fine here."

"Good! I saw your designs at the workshop and they are amazing."

"You should have said the same to Maurya. He bawled at me for delaying the trial run."

"Seriously?" Tapan's face took on a devilish amusement as an idea formed in his head.

"Hey, are you attending the party tonight at Rashika's house?"

"No, I don't want to spoil her mood by showing my face there," Dharma responded.

"How about spoiling Maurya's mood?"

"What?"

"I will pick you up in an hour. We will go together," Tapan growled with excitement.

"Together? I told you I am not coming," Dharma snapped, oblivious to Tapan's wicked schemes.

"Dharma, you are coming with me as my date. And wear your prettiest dress," Tapan ended the call before Dharma could protest.

When Dharma told Kamya, her friend encouraged her to enjoy the party, "But as his date? Is he interested in you, Dharma?"

"Of course not! Tapan may be a very gifted man but he is also this mischievous child at heart. He loves to create troubles, and then sit back and enjoy its consequences," Dharma's description of Tapan elicited giggle from Kamya. Keen that Dharma should impress the playful Tapan, Kamya offered her prettiest dress to Dharma.

It was a long gown in black with silver sequins. It clung to Dharma's body lovingly, leaving her shoulder and arms bare. The halter necked gown reached up to Dharma's ankle and a thin belt cinched the gown at her waist. Dharma had a black ankle strap stilettos and when she wore it, she looked really tall in the outfit. With the dark shadow over her eyes and a dusky lipstick, she completed her ensemble.

"My god Dharma, you look like a super model."

"Do I?" Dharma asked doubtfully, "You don't think I am overdressed for the occasion?"

"Of course not, dear. Look at you, there is hardly any jewellery. I would suggest some bracelet. Here, take this one from me..."

But Dharma refused to wear any jewellery. Except for the hoops on her ears, she wore no other ornament. Her hair had grown after coming to Delhi and the thick swathe of mane reached her shoulders. She left it open.

Worried that she was out of her element, Dharma felt good when Tapan blew a whistle as soon as she appeared. Draping a stole over her gown, Dharma greeted Tapan as she slid into his car.

"So what mischief are you planning Tapan?"

"You think I am scheming something? You are so wrong Dharma. I just want to enjoy the party. I swear I am not planning anything," a chuckling Tapan replied. His answer made Dharma uneasy but she pushed it to the back of her mind when Tapan praised her collection.

Tapan felt unutterably excited at the approaching climax. His face beamed in gleeful anticipation; striving to decipher Maurya's possible reaction. He knew he was playing with fire but what was life without some bits of spark?