Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

41) The Great Storm

Vasukinath was grilled by the police officers for hours over the complaint of negligent entrustment of the vehicle to his daughter. Since Rashika had been warned for careless driving before twice, she was charged with a criminal offence for rash driving, thereby causing death.

While others gave their two cents worth of advice to Vasukinath, their legal counsellor stayed with Vasukinath through the questioning. Vasukinath wanted the criminal complaint against Rashika to be withdrawn. Along with his lawyer, he tried his best to convince the officers. If he was influential, then Arjun's family was more prominent in the legal circle of associates. It became a tussle of power and influence between the two families; coming down to who wielded more clout.

Maurya persuaded Arjun's family to withdraw the complaint against Vasukinath. The FIR registered against Rashika was criminal which would take its own course hence he or Vasukinath had no say in it.

Finally, after a spate of discussions and stipulations, Arjun's family withdrew the complaint against Vasukinath. They agreed only because Maurya convinced them of its futility.

The police had not yet arrested Rashika due to her hospitalization. However, they did keep a watch over her. Meanwhile, Vasukinath made diabolic plans to escape with his family from the country. If he stayed in the country, and Rashika recovered, it was only a matter of time before the police arrested her for the accident. With the best of lawyers, she might be able to escape detention but it would take years. Vasukinath refused to allow his daughter to suffer over her friend's death. He decided that they would flee from the country. He was in for a rude shock when he discussed it with Maurya. Maurya used the opportunity to make a pact with his mentor. To buy his silence, Vasukinath had to accept Maurya's break-up with Rashika. Maurya had no intention of retaining his power in Krishna Industries. He willingly transferred all his shares to Vasukinath. There were some recriminations, few appeals and many questions from Vasukinath. Nevertheless, he had to accept Maurya's decision of exiting Krishna Industries and breaking all ties with the family. Maurya firmly rejected Vasukinath's pleas to go with them. He was dismayed that Vasukinath had no desire to reprehend his daughter, considering how she deceived both Arjun and Maurya. Instead, he was helping her avoid the sentence.

A fortnight later, Maurya relinquished all his stakes in the family business.

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

Kamya in a gorgeous red saree and Brahim in a white and red silk sherwani made a picture-perfect couple. They had written their own wedding vows and planned to deliver them at the traditional ceremony that they had planned at the temple after the civil marriage. They gifted Dharma a framed photo of the three of them in Mohandham. It was taken when they had been sixteen or seventeen. Kamya also gifted Dharma a beautiful crepe saree that she wore for their wedding. Not certain if Maurya would make it, Brahim had invited one of his colleagues too as the second witness for their civil marriage.

Dharma hoped that Maurya would not make it to the wedding. She would be a nervous wreck if he did decide to make his presence. She hadn't been able to get him out of her head since they had parted. She had been pouring over different versions of Rashika's accident that the tabloids carried. Maurya's name was featured frequently. She gathered from the news reports that he was sorting out the legal complications that had arisen after the accident. Apparently, Arjun's family had filed a case against Vasukinath Krishna. Dharma was not aware of the details but she guessed that Maurya was trying to resolve the problems.

Dharma had mailed her resignation to him, also copying it to Sonia. Sonia replied that she would discuss it with Maurya but he hadn't answered Dharma's mail.

The registrar officiated the marriage. When it was time to put down their signatures, Maurya breezed into the room, pleasantly surprising one and all.

"Sorry, I am late..." Maurya apologised running his gaze over all. Not willing to miss an opportunity to see Dharma, Maurya had made a note of the day in his organizer.  He had been hopelessly waiting for a chance to lay his eyes on her.  This morning, she looked too ravishing for his own peace of mind. The pink saree clung to her curves with a sinful glee and the deep cut of the blouse at her back grabbed his attention over and again.

The ceremony concluded quickly. When Brahim and Kamya thanked Maurya, he presented them with a gift-wrapped box which Dharma guessed was jewellery.

They proceeded to the temple that stood in the same complex for the traditional rituals. Post wedding celebrations included a lunch for all but Maurya excused himself as he had a meeting to attend. While everyone was busy clicking pictures, Kamya teased Dharma, "Maurya has been eyeing you like a besotted lover boy. He is crushing on you very badly, sweetheart."

Making a wry face at her friend, Dharma was actually surprised that he had turned up. She was pleased as a punch that despite the furore in his life, he hadn't forgotten her friends.

Brahim and Kamya had invited their new friends and colleagues. It was a fun-filled afternoon with touching speeches and plenty of jeering, clapping and drinking. Brahim and Kamya made a heartwarming acknowledgement of Dharma's contribution to their love story; she, in turn, thanked them for their constant support. Brahim sprang a surprise on Kamya by announcing their getaway. He had booked a honeymoon suite for them in Agra and they left immediately after lunch. 

Thoughts of Maurya accosted Dharma when she reached home alone. Jumpy and excited, she was eager to do something physically taxing.  The kitchen was a mess. She began to wash vessels, clean the gas stove, and mop the floor. She bought groceries from the nearest shop and stocked the kitchen.  She then packed her stuff. She would be leaving for Parijatpur soon. It had taken her a couple of days to convince Kamya and Brahim of her plans. They had relented finally when she told them of her predicament about working under Rashika. 

When she finished her chores, she got an unexpected visitor that night.

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

Vasukinath managed to sneak Rashika out of the hospital by bribing two of the night staff and the constable who had been keeping a watch over Rashika.

Rashika was disheartened that she wouldn't be able to see Maurya again. She was desperate to see him one last time however her father forbade her from contacting Maurya. She pondered if Maurya would have gone with her, had he not met Dharma. The question troubled her so much that she decided that the only way she could find peace, would be to make Maurya suffer as much. And she knew the best way to do it.

She was travelling with her mother in the car to the private helipad. Her father would reach there in another vehicle. On their way, she appealed to her mother,

"Ma, can we take a detour please?"

"Detour? Why?"

"I would like to meet someone. Please, one last time?"

"Rashi, I cannot allow you to see Maurya. Your father would be furious."

"No, not Arya; someone else... Please?"

"It is dangerous Rashi. We are running out of time and if someone finds us, our plans would be ruined."

"One last time, Mom...please please...."

"Ok! Whom do you want to meet?"

"My designer..."

She gave the direction to the driver. Her mother waited in the car while Rashika stepped out to see Dharma.

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

Dharma was startled to see Rashika at the doorstep. She thought Rashika was still in the hospital.

"Hello, Dharma!"

"Hello..."

"May I come inside?"

"Yes, of course..."

Dharma admitted her inside but she left the door open; a sixth sense cautioning her.

"Would you like some water?"

"No..." Rashika looked around, noting that Dharma was alone.

"How do you feel now?"

"How do you think?" Rashika countered and Dharma realized that the other woman was in a belligerent mood.

Dharma waited...

"How dare you go after my fiancé?" Rashika bellowed.

"I am quitting the company. You are welcome to have him...." Dharma answered but her poise enraged Rashika even more. She couldn't swallow the truth that Maurya had fallen in love with this woman who was no more than a guttersnipe. She slapped Dharma hard.

Dharma felt the pain inside her ear and her vision was blinded momentarily from the impact. She stumbled back. Dharma had not been prepared for Rashika's vitriolic move.  Her scalded cheek began to throb with pain. She grimaced in shock as the other woman rushed to grab a glass vase from the side table.

Rashika raised the vase to hit Dharma.

"Rashi...…."

Someone screamed from the doorway. Rashika swivelled around.

"What are you doing? We need to hurry. Your father is getting worried. He has already reached," Rashika's mother squealed. The glass vase slipped from Rashika's hand and it splintered into tiny pieces. The older woman quickly grabbed Rashika's hand and hauled her towards the staircase. A moment later, they were gone and Dharma locked the door hastily.

Trembling with relief and exhaustion, Dharma flopped down on the floor. Her cheek singed with discomfort.

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

"Are you crazy? Your father has been yelling at me for allowing you to take a detour..." Rashika's mother berated her.

"I wanted to teach her a lesson."

"Who is she?"

"A bitch..."

"Rashi, forget what happened. Your future is what matters to us."

Their phones peeled in unison. One was Rashika's father and the other was Rashika's aunt.

Rashika disconnected the call and shrieked at the driver to go faster. Her mother became distressed as Vasukinath pressed them to reach sooner.

The driver was a young and inexperienced one. The confused and infuriated commands of the women in his car made him nervous. His concentration on the road snapped and the vehicle veered from his control.

In a span of a few days, Rashika met with another accident. When the paramedics reached the accident spot, the survival of the victims seemed unlikely.

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

A month later...….

Dharma viewed the snow-capped mountains with wonder. Since joining Dushyant's office in Almora, she has been enchanted with the sight of the white peaks. They looked familiar, and yet so distant...

"Good morning!" Bilaval greeted. He switched on the radio. It was his morning routine to listen to the news and make notes.

"Good morning! There is tea for you on the table," Dharma stated.

"Thank you so much! Tomorrow, it is my turn to make tea," Bilaval uttered with a smile.

"If you can make it as splendid as mine..." Dharma quipped.

"You are putting me in a fix. But of course, I will try to match the esteemed expectations of her highness..." their banter went on for some time. "By the way, sir wanted geographical details of Baspa Valley," Bilaval reminded Dharma.

"Yes, I have it with me..."

They began their working days with taunts and jokes. It had been a month since Dharma had that unsettling meeting with Rashika. When Brahim and Kamya returned, they had been horrified to see her swollen cheek. They had wanted to inform Maurya but Dharma had not permitted them. She was fed up with Rashika and her allegations. Dharma wanted to get out of the mess. Hence, as planned she left for Parijatpur. A week later, Dushyant visited her. He offered her the job and she joined his research centre straightaway. Dushyant had arranged accommodation for her in the family guest house.

Dharma hadn't heard from Maurya after the wedding. No one made any contact with her; neither Sonia nor Pooja. It was as if they forgot that she had existed. Since leaving the city, she hadn't asked Kamya or Brahim about Index Fashions.

Bilaval raised the volume of the radio,

"The increasing speed of the wind in the North East mountains indicates a great storm that is heading towards the states of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Tourists have been warned to stay indoors. The high-velocity wind coming from the mountains of Nepal is expected to reach here next week. It may be accompanied by heavy rains. Experts believe that such a high-speed wind has never been reported in the region in recent times. The heading storm might be one of the worst that the region has ever faced."

The weather forecast was bleak and it frightened Bilaval.

"Good lord! My sister lives in Nainital. I hope she knows about the storm."

"Call her. It is better to warn her," Dharma suggested.

"Yes, I will do that."

When Bilaval left the room, Dharma wandered to the window. She sipped her tea and watched the busy street below. Their office was located on the first floor of a wooden building in the town centre and it was the last one on the uphill road. The view was fantastic and one could gaze at the sky uninterruptedly through the telescope.

Dharma liked the new job but she missed the challenges of the old job. There had been many missed calls from Tapan but she did not return the calls. She may be prepared to hear about Maurya and Rashika later, but she was not emotionally fit right now.

The door creaked open and Dharma was surprised to see Dushyant. He usually arrived post lunch at the office.

"Good morning, sir! You are early today."

"Yes, yes, I know. Dharma, I need to discuss something with you. Sit down. I have sent Bilaval on an errand."

Becoming curious, Dharma listened with rapt attention as he spoke.

"Do you remember that when we met in Parijatpur, you asked me about Alaka?"

"Yes, and you answered that you will talk about it at the right time."

"Now is the right time Dharma. You must know something about yourself."

"That I am a Yakshi? I know it already."

"No, that is not what I meant...This is about your lost life."

"What about it? I know I hail from Alaka and that I am supposed to return to Alaka."

"Haven't you wondered how you came here from Alaka?"

"I have, and many times. But I have not understood exactly how."

In a hushed tone, Dushyant murmured, "You travelled through time..."

"I gathered that but how is that possible? I have been breaking my head over it. How is it possible that I travelled from one eon to another? Did I take many births?"

"No, you travelled through a wormhole to this timeline."

"Where is this wormhole?"

"River Yakshagni... She had a wormhole through which man could travel from one timeline to another."

Dharma had surmised that she had come ashore through the river but travelling through a wormhole was bewildering.

"Are you saying that I travelled through a wormhole from one era to this era?"

"Yes, not only you, even Ekveer..."

Dharma became uneasy at the mention of Ekveer.

"Have you come across anyone here who could have been Ekveer in that period?"

"What?" Dharma realized that Dushyant had not yet connected Maurya to Ekveer. "Even if I had come across someone, what has that got to do with my life here?" she asked.

"Oh Dharma, don't you get it? You have to go to Alaka with Ekveer. Only then can we stop this storm?"

"Storm?" Dharma blinked at Dushyant in bafflement.

"Yes, the great storm that occurs once in thousand years. If you and Ekveer don't reach Alaka, the storm might destroy everything."

"But how would I know where Alaka is?"

"I will guide you, Dharma. I will take you there. But I need Ekveer with you."

"I am here...." someone claimed from the doorway.

Dharma's craving eyes gazed at Maurya with disbelief.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 40) The Lost World

Dushyant listened to Shankaran's account of Maurya and Dharma's visit with growing astonishment. Shankaran recounted the sketches on the walls of Avadhi and how Dharma had linked the verse and the ring around the horse to Jalindra's cenotaph and River Yakshagni. Shankaran also related their surprise on learning that Shankaran and Dushyant were old friends.

"After you discovered the trap door, what happened?" Dushyant prodded.

"Oh, it was so unbelievable! Water gushed out at once. Remember, you told me about Yakshagni?"

"Yes, and you informed me that the river in Anuragnicheri was also a tributary of Yakshagni."

"Right! River Agni emerges from Agasthyamalai and joins the main river near Mangapuram before dropping into the ocean."

"Yes, yes...you mentioned that..."

"So, when Maurya opened the trap door in Avadhi, I think the water that gushed out was the waters of River Agni."

"Or Yakshagni..." Dushyant murmured.

"While the water gushed out, Dharma fainted and almost slipped into the ditch and if it had not been for Maurya, she would have gone inside."

"What?"

"Yes...and Dushyant, do you know the mystifying thing that happened? Just before fainting, she called out a strange name. Both Maurya and I were shocked."

"Whose name?"

"That is the unusual thing. After she gained consciousness, she did not even remember whose name she called out..."

"Oh, that is so strange!"

"Exactly! When Maurya asked her, she was so confused. I felt bad for her."

"Who did she call out for?"

"Ekveer..."

The reference to the name sent shock waves through Dushyant's body. Unable to say a word, his gaze shifted to the range of mountains that were visible from the window of the Ashram. He cast his mind back to the moment he had come across the name, Ekveer in the forest. He reflected on his meetings with Dharma in Modhera; her mention of Jalindra's cenotaph, her confused reaction on hearing the name of the river Yakshagni...

"Dushyant? Are you there?"

"Yes, yes...I am here. I think the signal dropped. What occurred after she called out the name?"

"She fainted and then Maurya carried her back to my house. I guess they had a long conversation about the incident. Anyway, I didn't probe much. But what astounded me was that the house collapsed after their visit. Dharma and I were right there. And in front of our eyes, Avadhi went down like a pack of cards..."

"Has she gone back to Delhi? Shankaran, can you share her number with me? I would like to talk to her about Avadhi..."

"Sure, I will message you."

"Thank you, friend."

The call had rendered Dushyant speechless. It was staggering that someone other than him had a connection to Alaka. If Dharma had called out the name of the Prince of Alaka, Ekveer, then that meant that she had an association with the old world.

He recollected his interaction with her in Modhera. There had been something very distinct about her that was very different from any other woman he had met. She had been outstandingly beautiful, almost bewitching; a rarity today. And her eyes held a depth of wisdom and farsightedness that was not spotted commonly in the present generation.

As he ruminated over Dharma, his mind evoked images of his morning visit to the ancient and dead forest. He thought over Anand Acharya's tale about Alaka, the prince, and his love for the tribal princess...

He gasped at the sudden realization that arose without warning. Like a flash of lightning, the connotation hit him with incredulity.

In the bygone world, Dharma had been the tribal princess...Ekveer's love!

The Yakshi!

No wonder, she had cast a spell on everyone in Modhera!

Did that mean that she had travelled through...

Oh, My God!

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

However painful it was, Dharma had to make a break. She did not want an undecided Maurya. Even though her love for him was unconditional, she doubted if Maurya felt the same way about her.

Dharma brewed a cup of tea and carried it to the balcony. Settling on the chair, she dwelt on Avadhi, her encounter with those invisible Yakshis, their earful, and the ancient kingdom from where she was supposed to have hailed. The ring of her phone disrupted her contemplation.

"Hello!"

"Dharma? This is Dushyant."

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

When Maurya reached the hospital, Rashika's aunt spotted him, "Maurya, our Rashi has opened her eyes and the first thing she uttered was your name..."

"Is it? I thought she would take Arjun's name," Maurya's disparaging reply caught the older woman's attention and she narrowed her eyes indignantly.

"Maurya..." she began but Maurya cut short her response.

"Forget it. Let me go and see Rashika first." As he strode toward Rashika's ward, the family members gave way for him wordlessly. He was the cynosure of all eyes.

Vasukinath and his wife were present inside the ward. Rashika cried out in a feeble voice, "Maurya..."

Her father embraced Maurya and exclaimed, "Thank god, she got through, Maurya...It is all your lucky stars!"

Maurya wrenched away from Vasukinath's hold. He flinched in objection. The family's callousness appalled him. How had he not detected this insensitivity earlier? Had they forgotten that another family was grieving wretchedly; especially due to Rashika's fault?

Rashika's mother stated, "We should give them some time alone..."

"Yes, yes..." Vasukinath patted Maurya's shoulder and left the room with his wife.

Rashika accorded a weak smile. Maurya took the chair next to the bed and surveyed her. The bruised side of her cheek was plastered. Due to the impact of the steering wheel, there were ruptures in her chest. The doctors had taken out the glass shards that had pierced her ribs and stitched up the skin.

"Hi..." she greeted, her eyes not leaving his face for a moment. She discerned every flare of emotion in his eyes.

"Hi...How do you feel?"

She pointed out her cheek, "This side pains a lot...."

Maurya nodded, deliberating if he should ask her about Arjun.

"When did you come?" she asked him instead.

"Last evening..."

The nurse arrived and she began to note down Rashika's readings. Maurya stood up to leave but Rashika clutched his hand tightly. The nurse's eyes puckered with mischief, "You don't have to leave...I will be gone in a minute."

After the nurse left, Maurya asked, "Do you know about Arjun?"

She nodded without a word. Maurya noted that there was no indication of regret or guilt in her.

"Where were you going with him on that road? Tell me the whole sequence of that day..."

"Ok...I was at home when I got Arjun's call. He persuaded me to have coffee with him because his team had won a legal case. Then after coffee, I wanted to come home but Arjun insisted that we go for a drive. He directed me to take that road."

There was an uneasy silence in the room after she reeled off the events of the day.

"That was it? You didn't meet anyone else?"

"Who else could I have met? I am telling you exactly what happened the other day," Rashika reiterated defensively, scowling at Maurya.

"That is not what Arjun's brothers are saying."

Rashika burst out vehemently, "What are they saying? You know how they are. They have never liked me much. They would spin any story and you would believe them?"

Maurya's eyebrows shot up, "Are they lying then?"

"Of course! How can you believe them over me?"

"Rashika, I haven't yet told you about their account of the day. What makes you think that they lied to me?"

Rashika winced in pain, "Oh god! This is troubling me so much...." She touched her face and moaned.

The sheer indifference to Arjun's death, her lies and her theatrics disgusted him.

"It is all your fault," Rashika blurted out suddenly.

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, if you had not gone waltzing with some other woman, I wouldn't have had to spend more time with Arjun," without any qualms, she accused him brazenly.

"Seriously? How do you manage to stoop so low Rashika? Sans any guilt, you transfer the blame on me! Actually, it was my fault that I thought I could talk to you. Your senseless driving killed Arjun, and here you are; finding ways to wriggle out of the responsibility."

Rashika had never seen Maurya so furious before.  His hurtful words aggrieved her. She recognized the cold indifference and subdued violence in Maurya's demeanour. It frightened her. Had she lost him? No, that was not possible...

She regained her composure and assembled her disarrayed thoughts. She grappled with the possible truth that Arjun's brothers would have convinced him of his innocence.

"Why did you meet Chaitanya?"

The question startled Rashika. Her glance scurried around the room, looking for an escape from Maurya's mercilessly grilling glance. How did Maurya know about her meeting with Chaitanya? With an adeptness that would stun even the best of manipulators, she decided to pin the whole fiasco on Arjun.

"Who is he? I didn't meet anyone like that..."

"You didn't?" Maurya quizzed, his lips thinning savagely.

"No, of course not! Wait, oh yes, Arjun told me that he had to meet someone urgently, so I guess he probably met this man before coming to the café."

"So, you don't know anyone by the name of Chaitanya?"

"No Maurya, I don't. Will you stop this third degree?"

Shaking his head in disbelief, Maurya snapped, "Even Machiavelli would be surprised by you..."

"Who?" Rashika frowned.

"We are done! Consider our engagement broken."

While Rashika stared at him shell-shocked, they heard a commotion outside the ward and Maurya rushed out. There were police personnel and they had come with a warrant to arrest Vasukinath.

The relatives blocked the officers from getting close to Vasukinath and demanded to see the warrant. Maurya made his way through the fracas and spoke to the officer in charge.

"Can we see the warrant?"

The family quietened as soon as they saw Maurya taking charge. He scanned the piece of paper carefully and glanced at Vasukinath. Arjun's family had filed a complaint against Vasukinath for Negligent Entrustment because the car that Rashika had driven was registered in her father's name.

"You have to go with them now. I will bring our lawyer and bail you out as soon as possible."

When Vasukinath's siblings and cousins began to argue, Vasukinath held up his hand, "I trust Maurya. He will do the needful. Now, let me go..."

As they watched, the police took him with them. Rashika's mother held on to Maurya and wept, "God knows whose evil eyes have snared this family!"

Maurya wanted to answer that it was the result of their own daughter's evil deeds. Instead, he dialled the lawyer's number.

There was so much to do that he heaved in weariness. The stinging ache that caught him unawares was rearing its head once again and he squashed it down forcefully. There was no use crying over spilt milk. Dharma had made her decision. Nevertheless, she hadn't heard his decision. Dharma thought he was this indecisive moron who couldn't choose his woman. She had already concluded that his ambition was more important to him than his love.

Drawing a deep breath, Maurya pledged himself to make Dharma proud of him. There was no way he was going to let go of the only woman he had ever loved so passionately in his life.

No, he was going to do everything right this time...

The arrival of the legal counsellor diverted his attention.

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

"Dharma, I heard what transpired in Avadhi from Shankaran..." Dushyant said after their initial greetings.

"It was momentous. I haven't gotten over it yet."

"Why don't we meet and discuss? Say, in Parijatpur?"

"My friend is getting married next week. Can we meet after that?"

"Sure! I will return to Almora by then."

"I will call you once I reach Parijatpur..."

"Good, now that it is settled, I want to ask you about Ekveer...Why did you call out that name?"

Dharma went rigid. She shut her eyes and the face that sprung up was Maurya's. She jerked open her eyes and realized that Dushyant was waiting for her reply. "I was not even aware that I had called out that name. When I saw the water rushing out of the trap door, I think I recalled my nightmares..."

"What kind of nightmares, Dharma?"

"That I was drowning in a swollen river and the currents were dragging me away from someone close. That obscure image would stay with me for days after the nightmares."

"Dharma, we need to meet soon. Call me as soon as you reach Parijatpur..."

"Sure!" After a pause, Dharma appealed, "Sir, I want to ask you one more thing..."

"Go ahead, Dharma."

"Is there a position vacant in your office for me? Can I apply for a post there?"

There was no reply from Dushyant immediately. Dharma wondered if she had been impudent in asking for a job...

"You are a fashion designer and a successful one at that; that is what I gathered in Modhera."

"I am quitting this job."

"Why? Is it because of what happened in Avadhi?"

"Partly! I am looking for a change. I am sorry that I was flippant about it..."

"That is alright. I had been thinking of getting another person for my lab. However, I think you are an artist by nature. You must explore your innate talents more."

"Sure, sir. Thank you for calling me."

"Anyway, my assistant Bilaval has been whining for a long time. I would be happy to get a teammate for him."