Sahithi's Adventures

Into The Past

Sahithi untied the string of the cloth bag with a thumping heart, folded the bag open very neatly and emptied it on the floor. She was disappointed that the bag contained nothing but a small black stone the size of a pebble. She took it in her hands as her mind started asking questions.

Who would take the pains to place a small black pebble in a cloth bag, tie it securely and then place it in a corner of a private temple that obviously belonged to a royal family? The fact that the temple had a secret entrance unknown to outsiders made it even more mysterious. Was it done by some naughty prankster in the family as a sort of joke?

She turned the pebble round, examining it carefully. It was round and smooth – nothing spectacular about it. It appeared to be a normal pebble one would usually find on river banks. Why would such an ordinary pebble find its way into a temple? She rolled it in her palm, enjoying the smooth feel of the stone.

Her mind continued to churn out question after question, trying to find a logical answer. She failed to notice the stone start whirling faster and faster, shrinking in size till it became as small and round as a bindi. She also failed to notice this unusual bindi moving up and placing itself on her forehead exactly in the middle of her brows where a traditional Indian girl would place the bindi.

The black bindi shone brightly and became a part of her forehead like a mole. Sahithi was still thinking when the temple vanished and she appeared on a small hillock sitting alone. The cool breeze blowing gently woke her up from her stupor.

Sahithi shivered as she surveyed her surroundings. She was sitting on the grass on a deserted hill top with no sign of humans in sight. She wrapped her pallu round her shoulders and stood up. She needed to find a place to rest for the night and stay safe as well.

How did I come here, she thought as she walked to the edge of the hill to try and see what was below. The sight of lights made her sigh in relief as it indicated a settlement of a sort – perhaps a village where she could stay for the night.

She walked down the hill in the direction of the lights, the cold numbing her hands. She kept rubbing her palms as she walked faster to escape the cold. She had no idea how she would be received by the villagers, nor did she care. All she wanted to do at the moment was to find a temple to sleep for the night.

As she came closer to the village, she found a group of villagers going into the village. She decided to hail them in the hope of finding directions.

“Excuse me!” she shouted, making the villagers turn around. They were shocked to see an eighteen-year-old girl walking towards them. They waited till she came close to them before greeting her with questions of their own.

“Who are you child?” an elderly man who seemed to be the leader of the group asked.”Why are you alone at this time of the day?”

“umm.... I .... lost my way!” she stammered as she cursed herself for not making proper plans before descending the hill. “I was going with – with my parents when we were attacked by robbers. So, I ran away from them and....and...”

“You can’t find your way back?” the lady who seemed to be the man’s wife asked gently. Sahithi nodded her head vigorously, making the lady sigh deeply. “Poor girl! What a tragedy! You shouldn’t be alone at this hour. It’s not safe.”

“Where is your house?” he asked Sahithi.

“It’s a long way in that direction.” She pointed randomly, hoping that they would buy her story.

“Oh. You can’t go back alone. You can come with us if you don’t mind. We will see what to do tomorrow.”

“Thank you very much for your kindness.” Sahithi thanked them profusely, praising them for rescuing her. It brought an embarrassed smile to the faces of the couple.

“It’s alright dear. No need to make a big deal out of it. Come, let’s hurry up before it gets too dark.” They urged her forward as they hurried into the village, the cold breeze making them shiver.

They walked for a short while, reaching a well lit village that seemed to be very large. Rows upon rows of houses lined the path on both sides of the streets. Most of them wore a deserted look – perhaps the inhabitants had retired early due to the cold. Sahithi felt a little afraid as she walked down the street with her companions.

After what seemed to be a long time turning round several streets, the group finally reached a large house with a tiled roof. The host opened the door and led them inside, quickly bolting the door after everyone had come in.

The house was large and made of teak wood. It appears to be built long ago but was maintained well. The rooms were small but comfortable. There was a wide hall where a swing was hanging from the ceiling.

“Here, wash your hands and legs.” The lady gave her a copper vessel of water which Sahithi took, washing her feet and hands. “Come, I will show you your room. Then we will have something to eat.”

She led the way along the corridor to the smallest room in the corner where another girl of her age was sitting.

“Komali, this is our guest. Share the room with her tonight.”

“Sure mom.” She turned to Sahithi and smiled, which the latter returned. Sahithi felt at ease instantly as this girl gave off positive vibes. She felt she could trust this girl who could be her friend in this unknown land.

The lady left them alone to prepare dinner. Sahithi sat on the bed and turned to the girl called Komali.